
Pass -Sr(c<S 
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Copyright^" ■ ■ 

COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 






Pratts Pointers 

■•■ON... 

COWS, SHEEP/ HOGS , 

INCLUDING yt7*» 

THEIR CARE, FEEDING, HOUSING 
AND DISEASES 

CONTAINING 

Valuable Information from Experienced Authorities 
Throughout *he World. 



PUBLISHED BY 

Pratt Food Company 

Han u fact urers of 

PRATTS FOODS 

The Greatest Animal and Poultry Regulators Known. 

PHILADELPHIA, U. S. A. 
CHICAGO, U. S. A. 



Two Copies ti see; vesa 

-i 3 1905 

Gopyngiu tnuy 

CU& # XXc, Mot 

OOPY 6. 



•** 



(Ut> 






a 



V 



Copyright 1905 

BY 

Pratt Food Company 







cows 



PART I. 



PRATTS POINTERS 

ON 

THE COW 



DAIRY 
FARMING 



CHAPTER L 
GENERAL SUGGESTIONS. 

In choosing a dairy farm, all necessary 
conditions for success in the business 
must be considered. It is an olc saying 
that "the man makes the business," and this is partic- 
ularly true of the dairyman. He must be patient and 
persevering, regular in methods of business, and neat 
in his habits. Level soil, well watered, makes the best 
farm land for dairy purposes, and if it is not naturally 
drained, artificial means should be used. The means of 

(5) 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



getting to and from a city should be looked after, and 
it is well to locate as near to a railroad as possible. If 
there is a natural spring on the premises the milk 




PI,AN OP DAIRY FARM. 

house should be placed either over, or very near it. In 
the illustration we show you how a dairy farm may be 
conveniently laid out. 



STOCKING 

THE 

FARM 



Next in importance is, of course, a care- 
ful and judicious selection of the stock. 
These are to be the dairyman's tools, 
and he will naturally want those from which he can 
derive the most benefit. Farmers who breed their own 
cows get superior milkers at moderate cost, if care is 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



taken to raise only the calves of good milkers, and if 
the bull belongs to a family that gives milk of excel- 
lent quality and quantity. 



The American cow is a descendant from 
many crossings, and in its veins is mixed 
blood impossible to name ; nevertheless, 
it is the most reliable foundation upon which the dairy - 



FORMING A 
HERD 




SHORT-HORN COW. 



man can form a good herd. The "Short-horn," im- 
ported into America in the early part of this century, 



8 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



plainly shows in the native stock of the Middle States, 
while the blood of the "Devon" and "Ayrshire" shows 
in the breed down Bast. This may be accounted for by 
reason of the animals of this stock being better suited to 
thrive on the rough and poor pasture in that vicinity. 



BREEDS OF 
COWS 



The dairy farmer will naturally consider 
everything which contributes to the suc- 
cess of his undertaking, and a few words 




AYRSHIRE COW. 

as to the different breed of cows might be of some value 
to him at this time. The Short-horn, probably the most 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 9 

valuable to the dairyman, is a native of the North of 
England and has been raised there for some time past. 
When no longer profitable as a milk producer, it fattens 
quickly and makes good beef. 

Without underrating other breeds, the Ayrshire is 
often called " the model dairy cow," the milk being very 
rich in cream and easily turned into butter and cheese of 
choice quality. 

From about the same part of the world come three 
of the best breeds of cows. The Jersey, Alderney and 
Guernsey. They differ from each other only in size and 
color, all of them being noted for the rich quality of 
their milk. The Jersey was at first more of an orna- 
mental cow, but has since grown in favor with dairy- 
men. It is a beautiful creature, light fawn color mixed 
with white, and with the gentlest expression in the large 
soft eyes. The horns are fine, black in color and grace- 
fully curved, projecting over the forehead. (See illus- 
tration on back cover.) 

Many farmers who have very rich and beautiful pas- 
ture land are fond of the Holstein breed which comes 
from the northern part of Holland. They are splen- 
didly formed, and when no longer serviceable as milkers, 
they readily fatten and make excellent beef. (See illus- 
tration on front cover.) 



10 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

Holland also furnishes another breed, but one that is 
more popular. It is black with a broad belt of white 
entirely around the body, and hence it derives its name 
of Belted or Blanketed. They have been carefully 
bred and have gained a high reputation for milk and 
butter. 

The Swiss have become famous in connection with 
their dairy products, and quite naturally. Their cows 
are excellent producers of milk and butter. They are 
very domestic, docile and gentle, and a number of them 
imported into New England some years ago show that 
they are fitted for the climate of this country. They 
are now to be found in many other localities and are 
greatly valued. 

The Devon is the oldest race of cattle in existence, 
and year after year produces the same type. In color it 
is a rich dark red without other mixture. They are 
good dairy cows, the yield of milk and flavor of butter 
being unsurpassed. Devon beef is superior to any other ; 
is tender, sweet and with just enough fat to make it 
delicious. 

England furnishes a cow very much like the Devon, 
it being also red in color, but it is without horns, and 
this is considered a very desirable feature in dairy cattle. 
Their milk and quality of beef is excellent. 



PRA TTS TOINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 11 



HORNLESS 
COWS 



In this connection it might be well to 
say a word about this animal, as many 
persons hold different opinions. Horns 
prove dangerous weapons, and many accidents occur 
every year from the use of them by enraged animals. 
To avoid the possibility of this, the question of dis- 
horning calves when very youug has been much agi- 
tated and to certain degree put in practice, sufficiently 
to prove that it can be done easily and without pain. 
These calves afterwards bred together will soon produce 
hornless stock, which in time will inherit polled heads 
without further effort. Although all these breeds have 
been mentioned for the benefit of dairymen, they as a 
rule give preference to the Holstein, Ayrshire, Jersey 
and Guernsey. 

CHAPTER II. 

FOOD FOR THE COWS. 
If you expect a liberal product of milk, 
butter and cheese, quite naturally the 
cow must be given the food that is most 
suitable for this purpose. No matter how excellent her 
milking qualities, she cannot make up deficiencies aris- 
ing from improper feeding. How to derive the most 
profit from the smallest outlay is the most important 



THE DAIRY 
COW 



12 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

question with the dairyman, as it is with any other man 
in business. He should first supply the natural wants 
of the animal, and as much additional material as she 
can convert into milk and cream. Milk has the same 
composition as the animal, and contains every element 
to support her. Therefore, to feed the dairy cow to in- 
sure successful results, the farmer must exercise great 
care. Read carefully note on page 58 explaining how 
Pratts Remedies will sustain bodily health and strength 
by regulating the bowels, blood and digestive organs ; 
produce more milk and butter of a very rich quality. 
Many experienced farmers have long since acquainted 
themselves with the important value of these famous 
remedies, and in consequence they are universally used 
by thousands of dairymen throughout the United States 
and many foreign countries. 



PROFITABLE 
CROPS 



To feed dairy stock properly requires 
close study. Grass is the first and most 
important crop ; it is depended upon for 
summer pasture, and the meadows supply hay for winter 
feeding. Timothy, red-top, and red clover are the 
varieties most used. Hay, if properly cut when 
blossoming, will keep all the sweetness and good quali- 
ties of fresh grass. Fodder-corn ranks next to grass, 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 13 

either when fed green or dried for winter use. Clover 
is third in value, and profitable, because if managed 
properly will grow for several years with one planting. 
Carrots, beets and parsnips are important as a root-crop 
for winter feeding. The wise farmer will grow his own 
fodder. 



VARIETY OF 
FOOD 



Oats, ground, are an expensive food, but if 
purchased at fairly reasonable prices, are 
profitable on account of the manure ele- 
ment they contain. Oats have, however, been largely 
rejected from the list of dairy goods, as it has been 
proved that the butter is light in color and inferior in 
quality. 

In America the usual and most-used food on the 
dairy farm is corn, but it gives the best results when fed 
in proper proportions with other foods. Unless given 
too freely, it never affects injuriously the milk glands, 
but it has been demonstrated that it is used with the 
most favorable influence when given in the form of 
fine bolted yellow meal. Hominy chops, wheat bran 
and husks of grain generally, while valuable for the 
nitrogen they contain and their profitable returns in 
manure, are so indigestible as to require great care in 
their use. 



14 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

Peas are milk-producing if used as food in connec- 
tion with corn meal and pasture. Furthermore, they 
are not only nutritious in themselves, but are an aid to 
digestion. Rice meal is a rich food, and most satisfac- 
tory results are obtained by feeding it. 



BREWERS' 
GRAINS 



Much has been said and written about 
this kind of food as being very objection- 
able for dairy cattle, and, therefore, bit- 
terly protested against. This is only true when used 
after fermentation has taken place, as it then influences 
the milk, giving it an unpleasant taste, which is also 
noticeable in the butter. When fresh and sweet, brewers' 
grains are a clean, wholesome food, producing milk in 
good quality and quantity. 



TEST FOR THE 

DIGESTIBILITY 

OF FOODS 



The digestibility of food measures its 
value, and this the intelligent farmer 
ascertains by certain reliable tests which 
he can use every bit as well as a scientist. First, as to 
the cream. Cream gauges set in a frame and the name 
of the cow written on a tablet just above each one, 
easily determines the richness of the milk. Once each 
week they are filled with the milk of the separate cows, 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 15 

and the amount of cream that rises, accurately decides 
the profit of one kind of feed over another. A butter 
test is also made by the use of the smallest-sized churn, 
the butter afterwards weighed and compared with quan- 
tity of milk given, and also, the record of the cream 
gauge of the especial cow. This determines without 
question the best food for the least cost, and hence the 
dairyman may know beforehand what rate of profit to 
expect from his labor and outlay. The dairy farm thus 
managed is not a business of chance, but of comparative 
certainty, as milk and butter are counted among life's 
necessities and always with good market value. The 
milk may be tested in this manner : A spring balance, 
commonly known as a weighing-hook, is put up in the 
cow stable, and upon this the pail is hung and the milk 
of each cow weighed separately. 

The weight is taken to the half-pound, which is 
near enough to be of practical service. This weight, 
after deducting the weight of the pail, is marked down 
on paper, and a careful count kept from week to week. 
This habit, if maintained, is a guide to show value of 
different foods, and also to show when anything is 
amiss with a particular cow. It is remarkable how uni- 
form the weight of milk from the same animal is, time 
after time, when regularly fed and managed. It may 



16 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

be well to mention that Pratts Food, Pratts Cow Tonic and 
Pratts Condition Powder are all perfect digestives and 
pay largely when used constantly. 



SALT 



Farmers should consider the necessity of 
salt for the dairy cow, to make up that 
thrown off in the daily waste of the system. Chemistry 
teaches that an ounce and a half should be given every 
twenty-four hours in regular rations, mixed with each 
feed. While this is required for the animal's health and 
comfort, an excess of salt is bad. The barrel should 
never be left uncovered where it can be eaten in quantity. 



SPRINGS, 

WELLS AND 

CISTERNS 



CHAPTER III. 

WATER SUPPLY, CATTLE SHEDS, ETC. 

If a spring is not available, probably 
the safest water supply is a well, placed 
at a distance from the barnyard or 
stable. It should be furnished with a pump, kept 
clean and free from all impurities, and surrounded by 
a neat platform. Pure water is always needed in the 
dairy business, and to secure this should be a chief 
point when purchasing a farm for that purpose. It is 
most desirable to have a stream of water running through 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COIVS, SHEEP ANT) HOGS 



17 



the pasture, and coming from a cold and permanent 
spring. If possible, it is best to own the source of the 
stream, so that it may be controlled and the water kept 
pure ; otherwise it will injure the health of the stock, 
or impart a bad taste to the milk. 

If neither a spring or small creek be on the premises, 
a very good substitute is a well-constructed rain-water 
cistern, an excellent form of which is here given. A 




WATER CISTERN. 

force pump is the most convenient attachment to a cis- 
tern, as by means of a hose-pipe water can be sent 
wherever needed, in any part of the yard or stable. A 
large amount of water is used in cleaning the pans, 
pails and other utensils required for the care of milk 



18 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



and butter-making. For this purpose a spring or well, 
either in or very near the milk house, will save time and 
labor and can be easily secured. 



DAIRY 
BUILDINGS 



The different buildings in connection 
with the dairy farm must be constructed 
with a view of deriving the greatest con- 
venience in carrying on the business and for the best 
care and comfort of the cows. Neatness, economy of 

rnuTt TRtES 



CALF PENS 



<r 

K 
kJ 



T 



SMCO 



rccoiNC noon 



YARO 



COWS 



MANURE 
SHED 



3 



FEED TROUGH 



KOAO 



O WMP 



STABLE 

6TC. 



OUTER 
YARO 



\ 



SICK 
COWS 



STABLE, PEN AND YARD. 

room, and opportunity to pass readily from one building 
to another, are points important to consider when build- 
ing. We show you here a plan which invites these ad- 
vantages in an admirable manner. 



PRATT S POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 10 



STABLE 
FLOORS 



A suitable floor is essential, and if the 
stable is without a cellar underneath an 
earth floor is better than any other. If 
of good clay or gravel it will harden and become per- 
fectly solid and need no repairs. If the stable has a 
manure cellar under the entire building, the cellar floor 




PLANK FLOOR. 

should be of cement and the stable floor made of double 
plank. This should be laid with a gutter, emptied by 
trap doors, and the floor frequently scrubbed and given 
a coat of whitewash, to keep it sweet and clean. We 
here show you a good plank floor of this sort. 



The yard should be large enough to give 
ample room for milking sheds, water 
troughs, fodder racks and pens. Half 
an acre affords comfortable accommodation for thirty 



YARD. COW 

STABLE AND 

SHED 



20 PRATTS POINTERS ON COIVS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



cows. No other animals should be permitted within the 
enclosure. The cow shed grows in favor with the 
dairyman, as it offers equal protection and comfort to 
animals, without the danger from fire and smoke suffo- 
cation attending the ordinary closed stable where hay is 
stored. Humanity is always on the lookout to make 
improvements for the care of dumb animals. In the 




cow SHED. 



modern cow shed, cows are left loose in the stalls, except 
on occasions when they are fastened by rings screwed 
in the sides at convenient height. These stalls have a 
double door, the upper part left open when ventilation 
is necessary, and each has its individual feed trough. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



21 



Fresh pure milk, and plenty of cream, 
add greatly to good living, and are now 
counted among the luxuries of the table. 
To enjoy them at their best, experience teaches that it 



FA/IILY 
COW 




HORSE AND COW STABLE AND POUI/TRY SHED. 

is necessary to keep a cow, unless very fortunately sit- 
uated in reference to milk supply. The stable can be 
comfortably located near a dwelling and yet not prove 



WINDOW 




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CC 



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NCftT BOXES. 

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WINO0W6. 



CHEAP STAX.It. 



22 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

objectionable to the most particular housewife. The 
building can be ornamental and, to economize room, 
devoted to several purposes, a wood shed, garden tool 
closet, and even a milk room ; all under the same roof. 
A plan here given has a poultry annex and accommo- 
dates two horses in addition to the cow stable. 

A very cheap stable in connection with a summer 
home affords comfort and convenience at astonishingly 
small outlay, and can easily be constructed. 

In the West and South, where timber is abundant 
and cheap, the open cow shed is often seen. It has a 




OPEN COW SHED. 



tight roof with closed ends, forming a loft to store hay 
in, and affords shelter for feeding and milking in stormy 
weather. 



Milk is an absorbent, and unless the stable 
is kept free from bad odors, they will de- 
stroy the natural taste and sweetness of 
the milk and give an unpleasant flavor to the butter. 



CLEANLINESS 

ABOUT 
THE STABLE 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS> SHEEP AND HOGS 23 

If the air of a stable is impure, the offensive matter is 
taken into the blood of the cow, and in this way poisons 
the source of the milk. To test this, strew the stable 
floor with onions, turnips, leeks or other strong-smelling 
vegetable growth, and it will very soon be detected in 
the milk. It is equally true that a green lawn and 
flowers with sweet scent around the stable will improve 
the flavor of milk and butter. This forms a picturesque 
feature of many English dairies, whose stalls are placed 
among grass and thickets of roses. The stable should 
be well aired and ventilated daily. A neat covering of 
leaves and cut straw on the floor, the gutter filled with 
fresh earth and freely dusted over with plaster. The 
use of a solution of copperas, mixed in a barrel of water, 
sprinkled freely from a watering-pot over the floor each 
morning after it has been swept, will sweeten the air and 
afford relief from flies. Afterward, the floor should be 
sprinkled with sand to prevent the cows from slipping 
while it is damp. If the stable windows be covered in 
summer with wire gauze to protect the animals from 
mosquitoes and troublesome insects in general, it will 
greatly add to the milk supply. Green slat blinds used 
to darken the windows will not interfere with proper 
ventilation if turned half-way open, and will also add 
to the advantage of the milk supply. 



24 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



BAD EFFECTS 

OF 

IMPURE AIR 



Impure air affects the health of animals 
as it does of persons, and it will be ob- 
served that sickness is much more fre- 
quent where it exists. This proves that the dairyman 
cannot be too particular in his surroundings, if he is to 
be successful. Perfect cleanliness must be observed in 
the smallest detail, not occasionally, but constantly and 
always. 



COMFORTABLE 

COWS ARE 

PROFITABLE 



Cows should be made comfortable, for if 
fretted and worried they yield less milk. 
A wide and easy door should be provided 
for them to pass in and out of the stable, and everything 
that tends to annoy them should be guarded against 
with extreme care. Kindness is all-important, and to 
kick, strike or yell at an animal is against the dairy- 
man's interest, and it will in every instance lessen the 
flow of milk. A prominent dairyman was asked ' ( how 
cows should be treated." His reply was forcible, by way 
of a lesson : ( ' Cows should be treated with gentleness 
and with consideration for their comfort and your own 
profit.' ' To obtain pure, sweet milk and choicest butter 
and cheese the cows must be thoroughly brushed and 
currycombed each day. They should be fastened at 
such a distance from each other that they cannot hook 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 25 

or crowd, and yet it is not wise to waste space. Cows 
should be stalled every night throughout the year — in 
winter for warmth and in summer to keep them cool 
and protected from flies and mosquitoes. 



DAILY 
DUTIES 



In summer the cows should be milked at 
five o'clock in the morning, then well 
watered and taken to pasture. They 
should be brought home between five and six o'clock 
in the evening, milked, watered, given a measure of 
Pratts Food and comfortably stabled for the night. In 
winter it is best to keep cows in the stable until midday 
and then turn them into the yard for fresh air and exer- 
cise until time for the evening milking. Never stint 
cows in food, as it is always best to give them all they 
will eat. It is unnecessary to state that striking matches, 
smoking, using kerosene lamps or candles should be for- 
bidden in the stable. Lanterns, filled with the safest 
oil, should be hung high out of reach of accident in 
doing the necessary work at night. These points, small 
in themselves, are really the corner-stone of the dairy- 
man's success, and only a fair trial will convince of 
their importance. 



BUTTER 

VALUE OF 

COWS 



26 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

CHAPTER IV. 

RAISING STOCK. 

As has been previously said, cows are the 
dairyman's instruments, and upon their 
excellence his success depends, and must 
be chosen for the amount and quality of their milk. If 
an animal yields only milk enough each day to produce 
one pound of butter, she is not worth as much as the cow 
that produces two pounds. A little thought will show 
that in the one case you care for and feed one cow to 
obtain two pounds of butter, while in the other you feed 
and care for two cows and get the same result. 



COST OF 
SUCCESSFUL 

BREEDING 



The practical dairyman understands the 
value of his stock, and wishes to increase 
rather than lessen it. As to breeding, a 
few simple facts may be given, which can be easily un- 
derstood. Different traits and qualities are transmitted 
to each generation. Breeders of fancy and pure breed 
stock claim that fancy stock only have this power of 
transmitting characteristics, and use this argument to 
maintain the high price of their cattle. This is not so, 
however, as all animals possess the same power, and 
whatever the breed, if the dairyman selects the best 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 27 

cows and mates them with a bull of pure breed, and con- 
tinues this course with the calves, he will find the result 
very satisfactory. The milking quality is the sole point 
the dairyman need consider ; he will experience loss if he 
attempts to compete with professionals in stock-raising 
for market. The wise farmer will rear his own herd, and 
make it superior and valuable enough to repay him for 
all his care and trouble. If it is necessary to sell any 
cattle, always sell the poor, and not the good ones. 



BREED 
DEPENDS MUCH 
UPON PEED 



Feeding and training improves and in- 
creases the value of all animals, and none 
more so than dairy stock. The purer the 
breed, the more careful must be the treatment to keep it 
up to the standard. Inferior food and indifferent care 
will very soon retrograde the finest pure breed. Pratts 
Food, Pratts Cow Tonic or Pratts Condition Powder, 
properly used, will do more to improve the breed than 
anything known ; they make healthy and contented 
cows, which in itself is the greatest known advantage in 
improving dairy cows. 



The most useful dairy cow should be 
known at a glance by a thorough dairy- 
man. He should know how important 
it is to select a good breed, and must not confine his 



CHOICE OF 
BREED 



28 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

choice to any particular one. The Short-horn or Hol- 
stein prove the most satisfactory in the production of 
milk and cream. For butter the Jersey and Ayrshire 
are the prime favorites. Dairymen usually prefer to 
purchase the bull when yet a calf, but to do this success- 
fully the pedigree should be known of the dam, and 
both the grand-dams should be inquired of in order to 
be certain that they were of the best milking quality. 



BREEDING 

PERIODS OF 

THE COW 



When the cow is about a year old, or at 
the latest, fourteen months, she com- 
mences to have what are called breeding 
periods. These occur about every twenty or twenty-one 
days. A cow carries her calf nine months, although 
this varies in exceptional cases, and is sometimes less 
and sometimes a longer period. In many instances it 
has been found that the male calf is carried for several 
days longer than the female. Jersey cows differ slightly 
in this respect, and have been frequently known to breed 
some months earlier than other breeds. 



The cow with a calf has a new demand 
upon her system, and this must be met 
by proper feeding. Pratts Food at this 
time is especially valuable. Her feed should be liberal 



FEEDING 
THE COW 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 29 

and of nutritious quality, but overfeeding is a mistake 
to be avoided. A calf partakes of the mother's life and 
disposition, and if she has any especial fault or tendency, 
this should, if possible, be prevented in the calf. The 
surest way to accomplish this is by liberal feeding and 
extreme kindness and tender care of the cow at this 
critical period. In this manner a calf can be easily 
made to inherit desirable traits, which in time will be- 
come natural and a marked characteristic. 



THE BULL 



The bull should not be put to too much 
use. This is especially so of a young 
bull. The second year he can generally be put to twice 
as much work as the first. It is better to charge more 
for outside service and admit only a few cows than to 
take a smaller price and be compelled to admit more. 
The owner of the cow will take better care of the calf 
he has to pay more for. A pen and yard adjoining the 
cow stable and barnyard should be provided for the bull, 
and when he is needed the cow should be led into this 
yard and securely fastened in one corner. The bull is 
then let out of the stall until he has accomplished his 
service. The cow is taken to a separate pen where a 
loose stall is provided for her, and afterwards she may 



30 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

be returned to the stable. The feeding of Pratts Food 
to bulls is more than repaid by the insurance of effective 
service and good health. 



THE BULL 

A DANGEROUS 

ANIMAL 



The dairyman should remember that a 
bull is always dangerous and never to be 
trusted. Although not to be treated 
cruelly, he must be kept in subjection, and at the first 
sign of disobedience conquered with a rawhide. A 
sight of this instrument of torture will soon become 
associated with remembrance of pain, and its use will be 
seldom required. The animal should never be petted or 
given the least freedom, however fine he may be or 
great the pride of his owner in his beauty or expense. 
Every year valuable lives are sacrificed from this foolish 
trifling with favorite bulls which are believed to be 
docile and under perfect control. 



REMOVING THE 

CALF FRO!! 
THE nOTKER 



The most intelligent dairymen now de- 
cide that the calf should be taken away 
from its mother almost as soon as it is 
born. This makes the cow, within a few days, useful 
in the dairy and with abundant milk product that can 
be turned to profit in butter. The calf becomes fond of 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



31 



its keeper and exceedingly domestic and gentle, which 
are excellent traits for its future as a dairy cow. The 
cow is kept in a roomy box stall and well cared for until 
able to join the herd again. 



RAISING 
THE CALF 



The calf should be placed in a clean, dry 
pen (see illustration) and given the en- 
tire milk, warm from its mother, twice 
each day for four days, while from the first, Pratts Food 
or Pratts Calf Tonic should be fed to the calf in small 
doses. After that in half skimmed and half fresh milk, 



flLAT PARTITION'S" 6i n MICH 




SHELF FOR MIL 



AISLE 

PEN FOR CALVES. 

as cream and fat are not necessary for its early growth. A 
good frame of bones and healthy muscles can be supplied 
quite as well if the skimmed milk is given at a tempera- 
ture of eighty degrees. Three quarts in the morning 
and three quarts in the evening are sufficient at first ; 
but this amount must be gradually increased until'at six 
months old it will consume (in addition to other food) 



82 PRATTS TOINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

six quarts at each feeding. In winter, after first month, 
give sweet early clover hay ; in the summer a small lot 
can be enclosed by a portable fence that can be moved 
to any suitable spot, where it can exercise and eat fresh 
grass. When six or eight months old the young heifer 
takes her place in the cow stable, and is fed with reg- 
ular rations. She is growing, and needs food to aid her 
in the process ; even if she fattens, no harm will come, if 
she grows large and strong in proportion. The first 
lesson the calf should be taught is affection for its keep- 
er, and this can be done by petting and kindness. By 
this method, the mother forgets her young, and this 
habit becomes hereditary with the race. We heartily 
recommend Pratts Calf Tonic to all calf owners. It is 
specially prepared for calves only and will save its cost 
many times over, in the quick growth of the calf as well 
as its freedom from all disease. 



A MODEL 
CALF PEN 



The calf should be tied from the first, by 
a leather strap around its neck with a 
ring attached, to which a small rope is 
fastened by a snap hook, and this is attached to a larger 
ring in Ithe side of the pen. On one side of the calf 
pen is a rack for hay, and outside, in front, a shelf 
where the pail is put with the milk. A slide door will 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 33 

allow the calf to put its head through and drink, although 
so arranged that it cannot overturn the pail. Calves are 
very stupid, and while they cannot be trained by beating 
and force, they learn much from patience and gentleness. 



CHAPTER V. 

MILK AND CREAM. 



FOUR RULES 

TO BE 
OBSERVED 



The proper care of milk and cream for 
butter-making can be stated in four rules. 
First, the milk should be set in a per- 
fectly pure atmosphere and surroundings. Second, with 
a moderate circulation of moist air. Third, the tempera- 
ture should not exceed sixty degrees in summer, or fall 
below forty degrees in winter. Fourth, perfectly clean 
utensils, and not too much light, which, it is said, will 
take from the butter the deep, rich color that distinguishes 
the best quality. 



STRAINING 
THE niLK 



The milk should be strained with great 
care to prevent any speck of dust or 
chance hair remaining in the fluid. The 
milk should first pass through the fine lip-strainer of the 

pail, and afterwards through two fine wire gauze strain- 
ers. People are more particular about milk and butter 



34 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

than any other articles of food, and more easily dis- 
gusted if anything is discovered amiss with them, either 
in flavor or cleanliness. For this reason, many makers 
of choice, high-priced butter insist upon the extra pre- 
caution of straining the milk a third and last time 
through fine double muslin. While this is troublesome 
and requires time, and is often regarded as catering too 
much to unnecessary fancies of customers, it neverthe- 
less pays in reputation and profit to the dairyman in the 
end. 



VALUE OF 
TESTS 



The elements contained in cow's milk 
are sugar, caseine, salts, fat and water. 
Fat, which is the cream, varies in amount 
in the milk of different cows. This proves the value of 
tests, which will decide for the dairyman whether he 
has inferior cows in his herd, and if so, which they are, 
that he may dispose of them before he suffers loss of 
time and profit. Weighing the milk, examining the 
cream gauge and churning the cream of each cow 
separately will settle this important question without a 
doubt. The largest milker is by no means certain to be 
the producer of the most butter ; therefore, to decide 
the quality of the milk is even more necessary than its 
quantity. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 35 



METHODS 

OF 

SEPARATING 



Cream, being the fatty part of milk, will 
rise to the top more or less rapidly, 
according to the temperature and the 
manner in which it is set. There are three methods of 
separating the cream from the milk, and each farmer 
must decide which is best and most suited to the con- 
venience of his especial dairy. The deep pail system, 
used in Sweden and known as the u Schwartz method," 
has been a valuable assistance in butter-making of late 
years. The advantage claimed for this is that in the 
twenty inch deep pails, set in ice water at a temperature 
of forty-five degrees, the cream will rise in twelve hours, 
while the milk will remain sweet for seventy-two hours. 
The shallow pan system is almost universal in private 
farm dairies, and quite as good, without the expense of 
tank, ice, etc., which necessarily add much to the labor 
also. The airy, dry cellar or milk house with thick 
walls furnishes every facility for raising the cream in 
the simple old way, which, after all, seems easiest. 

The third method promises to work a revolution in 
dairy practice everywhere, and is already accepted by 
most creamers throughout the country. "The Cen- 
trifugal Creamer" is the remarkable invention of a 
Swede. It has been awarded medals by different 
societies of agriculture whenever exhibited. The in- 



36 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



ventor claims that the cream can be separated entirely 
from the milk as soon as it is drawn from the cow and 
sufficiently cooled ; that the quantity of butter is 
largely increased thereby, and the labor astonishingly 
reduced, because, as the milk is not set, the lifting aud 
cleansing of pails, pans, etc., is done away with ; that 
the skimmed milk is perfectly sweet, and therefore can 
be used or sold for any desired purpose. The cream is 




CENTRIFUGAL CREAMER. 

put in bulk to ripen or sour just to the point fit for 
churning, and as it is separated in a perfectly pure con- 
dition, the flavor of the butter is said to be superior. 
This machine, when first brought into use, was very 
large and of two horse-power, but since then smaller 
ones have been made that can be worked by hand and 
suited to dairies where only twenty or thirty cows are 
kept. The dairyman who once sees it in operation 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP ANT> HOGS 37 



regards this creamer as an excellent investment, and 
quickly avails himself of its many advantages. 



THE niLK 
CELLAR 



Every house is supposed to be provided 
with a cellar, but most of them require 
very careful preparation before they are 
fit to receive milk. The milk cellar should be thoroughly 

J 



■ ■■■■■■ 



"7" 
7" 



sua CELLAR 




OUTSIDE MILK HOUSE. 

cleansed, the walls treated to a heavy coat of white- 
wash, and a floor of smooth, hard cement laid. The 
windows must be protected by fine wire gauze, and 
every opportunity for free ventilation secured. The 
corners should have boxes filled with fresh lime, which 
must be frequently renewed to keep the cellar dry and 
sweet. Nothing by way of fruit or vegetables should 
be kept in a milk cellar, unless it is divided by a tight 
partition made from matched boards. An outside cellar, 



38 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



with sub-cellar, is possibly the best and most satisfactory 
plan for the shallow pan system, unless a regular milk 
house is erected. 



THE MILK 
HOUSE 



The most desirable milk house includes, 
not only a place to set the milk, but a 
room for skimming, churning and work- 
ing the butter, and still another for packing and cold 
storage. It can be built of either wood, stone, or brick, 
and if well arranged, be equally serviceable in whichever 
material used. Where stone is used, everything can be 



•V 




MI^K HOUSE. 



kept exquisitely clean by a constant flooding and wash- 
ing down. A running stream of cold spring water is of 
great value in the milk house, and can be brought from 
a distance in an underground pipe. Its outlet should 
be over a tank, reservoir, or large sink furnished with a 
waste pipe to carry off the water when used. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 39 



MILKING 



The cow is a nervous animal, easily 
frightened, and this state at once lessens 
both the quantity and quality of her 
milk. She must be milked gently and kindly, and with 
nothing to fret or disturb her during the process. If 
possible, the dairyman should divide his herd among the 
different milkers, so that the cow may be milked each 
time by the same person. Many farmers consider this 
a foolish whim, but good authority claims that in this 
way the animal becomes more docile and contented, and 
the milk product is larger. It is well known that cows 
are affectionate in their nature, and become attached to 
persons who milk them regularly and treat them kindly. 
Cows should be milked at intervals of twelve hours, as 
nearly as this can be conveniently managed, and either 
just before or after feeding ; to milk while feeding is 
troublesome to both cow and milker. Constant watch 
must be kept that by some sudden movement of her foot 
the cow does not overturn the pail. If this happened 
accidentally, she should not be scolded or punished 
for it. When flies are troublesome in summer, a sheet 
spread over the animal is a protection, and will pre- 
vent the constant switching of her tail and kicking of 
her feet. 



40 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

CHAPTER VI. 

DAIRY UTENSILS. 

The dairy business cannot be conducted success- 
fully by chance or guesswork, neither can mistakes or 
accidents be overlooked. For every failure somebody 
is at fault, and the cost and labor of butter-making is 
entirely too great to take any risks on the result. 

A dairyman should procure the best cows ; those 
which have been well bred, fed and cared for, and in this 
way made comfortable and contented. After milking the 
cow and thoroughly straining the milk in the cleanest 
manner, the milk should be set in the pure atmosphere 
of the sweet, well-kept milk house or cellar. For deep 
setting, the temperature should be kept at forty-five 
degrees, and at sixty or sixty-two for the shallow pan 
method. After about twenty-four hours, the cream 
should be removed from the deep pails, while the shallow 
pans should be allowed to stand about twelve hours 
longer. The cream thus obtained has become only 
slightly sour. Whenever you add fresh cream to the jar, 
the whole should be stirred, in order that it may ripen 
evenly. It is also well to state here, that every utensil 
used should be kept bright and clean by constant scrub- 
bing and scalding. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 41 



The most approved milking bucket is 
made of double plate tin, with a heavy 
galvanized ring around the bottom. The 
top of the pail should be with a rounded half cover to 



BEST DAIRY 
PAIL 




MILKING BUCKET. 

keep the dust out, and be finished with a strainer lip 
holding very fine wire gauze. 



DAIRY PAN 



The dairy pans in former use were with 
I a seam around the bottom, which gave 
opportunity for the sour milk to collect, and unless re- 
moved with great care, injured the flavor of the butter. 
This is now entirely gotten rid of by the newer pressed 
seamless pan, which is easily cleaned and keep sweet. 



Among minor dairy appointments, is the 
simple and useful pail rack for sunning 
and drying the pails used in milking. 
Nothing sweetens utensils like this open-air process, for 



PAIL RACK 
PAN DRYER 



42 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



which our great-grandmothers availed themselves of the 
pickets of the garden fence. For shallow pans, is pre- 
sented a pan dryer, which is much the same thing as the 
rack for pails, allowing them to stand on the side, expos- 
ing both inner and outer surfaces to light and air. 



ROTATING 
SHELVES 



A very convenient arrangement for the 
shallow pan system, is a set of revolving 
shelves, circular in shape, and turning on 

pivots fastened in the floor, and again in the ceiling. 

These save many steps in putting in the filled pans, and 




REVOLVING SHELVES. 

also in skimming the cream from them, as the person 
can stand in one place, and accomplish either by simply 
turning the shelves. 



PRATT S POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 43 



THE PATENT 
CLOSET 



This is another patent accepted by dairy- 
men as especially adapted to the deep 
pail setting in a limited way. It has 

an ice chamber and drain, and is lined with zinc 

throughout. 




PATENT CLOSET. 



CHURNING 



Churning is simply mechanical, and the 
way of turning cream into butter in the 
churn is too well understood by the practical dairyman 
to make it necessary to give it here in detail. It is more 
important to review the simple rules we have touched 
upon in the first part of this chapter, than to unneces- 
sarily say very much on this subject. 



44 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



CHURNS 



A word on this subject might be of value 
to the beginner, who has much to learn 
from the experience of others. Fortun- 
ately, the tedious up-and-down dasher churn is a thing 
of the past and no longer used by the progressive dairy- 
man. Many valuable patent churns are now presented, 




AECTANCUL** 

CHURN 



MOTION OF CHURNS. 

and all cover about the same ground in their motion and 
effect upon the cream. To more fully illustrate the 
motion of particular churns, see cut above, and it may be 
well to add that the bottoms of all improved churns are 
rounded, instead of square, making them much easier to 
clean. 



AN IDEAL 
DAIRY 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 45 

CHAPTER VII. 

BUTTER, ICE SUPPLY, ETC, 
A famous butter-maker once said, that the 
secret by which she obtained the superior 
flavor of her butter, was neatness and 
plenty of fresh air — opportunities free to everyone. A 
very pretty picture is made by a perfectly appointed 
dairy ; for instance, a dairy surrounded by sweet green 
clover, and so clean, that a lady could go about it in a silk 
gown and lace cuffs. The milk house of stone, a clear 
spring bubbling close by the door, and sure to be cold on 
the hottest day. The pool inside, to hold on its stone 
slabs, earthen crocks covered with golden cream. A 
great bowl on the stone table holding the newly churned 
butter to be worked over in the early morning. Ivy and 
roses around the barred windows, through which creeps 
the cool air from clover-scented fields. In England the 
dairy business is often conducted by women, and yields 
generous returns for their industry and the money 
invested. 



It has been already shown that proper 
feeding and care of the cow, manage- 
ment of the milk, correct temperature in 
raising the cream, etc., are essential points to insure good 



AAK1NG 

READY FOR THE 

MARKET 



46 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

butter. These influence its quality, texture, color and 
flavor, and not one of them can be disregarded, if a 
choice product is desired. When the " butter comes,' ' 
a dairy term used to express its granulated state in the 
churn, it must go through several processes to make it 
fit for the market. The first and most important is to 
draw off the buttermilk, and pour cold water in the 
churn. By a few moves of the dasher, the butter can be 
washed free from every particle of buttermilk, which, 
if left, will be injurious to its flavor and prevent its 
keeping well. 



SALTING AND 
PACKING 



Butter, to keep sweet for months, must be 
properly salted, and this is a very particu- 
lar duty of the dairy, and to be done with 
skill and care. The salt must be pure, very fine, and 
used one ounce to the pound. This is worked in and left 
twenty-four hours, when the butter is drained from all 
surplus water and worked over again for packing. After 
the butter has been finally worked, it should be packed at 
once, as exposure to the air will injure its quality. If 
sent to market in fancy prints, it is best to wrap each 
one separately in paraffine paper and pack them in a tight 
box, to be shipped without delay. For family use, the 
five-pound pail of spruce or maple veneer is a favorite 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 47 

method with purchasers. It should have a cover and 
handle. The inside is coated with paraffine, making it 
air-tight, and when packed, a sheet of paraffine paper 
covers the top before the wood cover goes on. 

Butter pails and boxes should never be used for 
packing a second time, as they invariably give an un- 
pleasant flavor to the best product, and may, therefore, 
be given to the buyer, out and out. The farmer who 
wishes to secure fancy prices and establish a reputation 
for superior gilt-edged butter, will wisely avail himself 




PACKING BUCKET. 

of tasteful styles in putting it on the market. The neat, 
attractive package, containing a week's supply, often 
commands a dollar a pound, while in reality the quality 
may be no better than that sold at one-half the price. 
With some families, dainty appearance and the guarantee 
of a certain name, goes a long way, and the dairyman is 
fortunate who can gain and cater to this class of trade. 
June butter is better adapted to keep a longer time, than 
that made at any other season of the year. It should be 



48 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

well packed in air-tight firkins, tubs or pails and kept 
in the ordinary temperature of a good cool cellar or 
milk house. Cold storage is most effective, but to prove 
successful must be conducted by a person who under- 
stands the business. By use of ice, the temperature 
varies, and if it falls too low, and is raised to a higher 
degree, decomposition takes place in the butter, which 
cannot be restored to its former condition, and is very 
difficult to stop. Therefore, a low, even, natural temper- 
ature of a cool cellar or spring house, is much better and 
safer for purposes of the private dairy. 



The dairy business requires a supply of 
ice in summer, and the farmer will find 
an ice house an economy, and a necessary 
convenience, and not a difficult matter to build and fill. 



SUPPLY OF 
ICE 




FAMILY DAIRY ICE HOUSE. 



A pond of clean, pure water, from which to cut ice in 
winter, a well-built house to store it, and dry, clean saw- 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 4U 



dust to pack it in, are the only requirements for success. 
The house should be constructed with non-conducting 
walls, a dry foundation and plenty of ventilation in the 
roof. To describe the method of building in detail, is 
unnecessary, as it is already well known. The ice house 
for the family can be erected at greater or less expense. 
We submit an ice house which is inexpensive, but very 
pretty. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

CREAMERY — MILK DAIRY. 

There are two sorts of creameries, and 
either one of them is an advantage to a 
community where many cows are kept. 
The private creamery is the business of one man, who 



PRIVATE OR 

STOCK 
CREAflERIES 




MODERN CREAMERY. 



purchases the cream of his neighbors at a stated price, 
taking his own risk as to labor and profit ; the other is 



50 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



a joint-stock concern, the capital furnished by sale of 
shares. The stockholders govern the business, but 
employ persons competent to run it. The cream is 
bought from the farmers, who are glad to be relieved of 
the labor and care of butter-making. The butter product 
of a general creamery is usually superior in quality, as 
it is to the interest of the company to employ only experts 
in its manufacture. The illustration herewith shows a 
modern creamery. The creamery system is available 



COAL 



office 



tucint 



CHUAN CHURN 



Burred 




REI AICERATOR 



FIRST Fl,OOR OF CREAMERY. 

lor the large, private dairy, but its greatest develop- 
ment is reached by a stock company. In this way the 
product of several hundred cows can be worked up, 
and fifty or more farmers become regular patrons. 
Deep setting requires least space, and is, therefore, the 
system generally selected for the creamery. That co- 
operation is economy, finds proof in the cost of a six 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



51 



hundred cow creamery, here given from actual esti- 
mate. The necessary apparatus, including complete 
appointments for the making of butter and cheese, to- 
gether with an eight horse-power boiler, can be erected 
from about $400 to $1,600. This affords capacity suffi- 
cient to make from eight to twelve hundred pounds of 
butter a day. 



THE MILK DAIRY. 

The cows most desirable for the milk 
dairy are the half-bred Short-horns, grade 
Holstein, or Ayrshires. The Short-horns 
fatten easily when they are no longer profitable in their 
yield of milk. The Holstein and the Ayrshires are 



BEST COWS 

FOR THE MILK 

DAIRY 




DAIRY BARN. 



good beef cattle. All three are excellent milkers, both 
in quality and quantity. A dairy barn, holding about 
two hundred cows is here presented. The daily rations 



52 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



to give to this number of cows are a half-bushel of fresh 
brewers' grains mixed with a portion of corn meal, and 
in addition to this, six quarts of dry yellow corn meal, 
with the usual quantity of Pratts Food, Pratts Cow Tonic 
or Pratts Condition Powder, and as much hay as they 
wish to eat. When brewers* grains are not fed, the corn 
meal is increased to twelve quarts daily, with hay. Ad- 
joining the stable, which is kept scrupulously clean, is 
a spring house, in which the milk is rapidly cooled and 
kept until time to ship it. In summer the cows are 
pastured, but notwithstanding this, get their usual por- 
tion of corn meal and Pratts Remedies. The principal 
crop fed is cornfodder, which is grown in long drills 
and carefully cultivated. 



WHAT THE 

MILK DAIRYMAN 

MUST KNOW 



This business is disposing of the milk 
product to consumers, without further 
labor or expense in manufacture of butter 
and cheese. It is estimated that every family of five 
persons uses at least one quart of milk a day, and at this 
rate more than a million cows would be required. Per- 
sons must fully understand the business of transporting 
and distributing milk to give it to customers in good 
condition. Three very important points are to be con- 
sidered : first, to produce an excellent quality of milk ; 



PR/tTTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 53 

second, to practice the best methods of caring for it, and 
third, how to dispose of it at the largest profit, and also 
how to give satisfaction in its delivery to buyers. These 
are absolutely necessary for success in the business. 



COOLING 
THE MiLK 



Cooling the milk properly, is of the 
utmost importance, and is more success- 
fully done by putting it at once in the 
cans and submerging them in a tank of cool water. 
Fifty degrees is about the right temperature, and, as 
with the butter dairy, neatness is absolutely essential in 
the care of milk for market. The morning milk is 
shipped at evening for early delivery next day, and the 
evening's milk is shipped at the same time, but not 
mixed in the cans. 



HILK ROUTE 
AND TRANS- 
PORTATION 



The cows are milked at five o'clock in the 
morning, and the milk is at once strained 
into twenty-quart cans and kept in a cool' 
place until shipped. If sent in bulk, these cans are sent 
in a milk can box, which can be padded in winter to 
prevent freezing, and in summer a centre can of pounded 
ice put in with the milk. Bottling milk, is a neat and 
convenient way of serving it, and is very generally used 



54 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



on the best milk routes. The milk is strained, cooled 
and sealed tightly in glass cans, by means of rubber 




FOR SHIPPING MII.K. 



rings under the glass covers. Two excellent cans of this 
sort are here shown. Every milkman should have cardr, 





GI,ASS CANS. 



of direction printed, and supply them to each customer, 
and in this manner insure proper care of his product 
after it leaves his hands. The card generally reads as 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 55 

follows : u Keep this bottle in a cool place. When 
empty rinse in cold water, fill again with cold water and 
let stand until called for. ' ' This precaution protects the 
reputation of the milk, and doubly pays for the trouble 
and expense of the cards to the dairyman. This bottling 
system saves the milkman the trouble of measuring, as 
every can holds either a pint or quart exactly. It is a 
convenience to the customer, as the milk can be received 
without taking pitcher or pail when the milkman rings, 
and is temporarily safe from dust or disturbance if left 
before the household is yet stirring in the early morning. 



CHAPTER IX. 

DISEASED MILK. 

Milk is quickly affected by various diseases of the 
udder, and also by constitutional disturbances. These 
changes in milk are significant and not to be disregarded 
by the dairyman, who should at once inform himself of 
the cause, and how best to correct it. 



Excellent milk often has a bluish tint, 
but is a very different fluid from that 
watery, blue milk, which is regarded as a 
sure and distinctive symptom of the fatal disease called 



BLUE AND 

WATERY 

MILK 



56 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

tuberculosis. It is infectious, and renders the milk unfit 
for food. The worst effects are produced upon persons 
using it, and to infants it proves a sure poison. A 
skilled veterinarian should decide upon the condition of 
the milk and its probable cause, and if tuberculosis, the 
cow should be killed at once, and buried deep to avoid 
all danger in the future. 



MILK 
SICKNESS 



This is a disease that is very peculiar, 
inasmuch as the affected cow does not 
suffer from it. Calves and persons using 
the milk sicken and often die from slow poison in con- 
sequence. Male cattle will contract the sickness and die 
from it, while cows seem to escape all evil effects, the 
poison passing off in the milk. Many different theories 
are advanced as to the cause of milk sickness in certain 
localities, none of them accepted as thoroughly reliable. 
To avoid using milk, butter, cheese and meat from places 
where the disease is known to exist seems the only sure 
protection. Bacteria, now charged with almost every 
evil, is credited with this also by eminent scientists. 
The treatment consists of stimulants and correctives 
wisely administered. Pratts Food, Pratts Cow Tonic or 
Pratts Condition Powder are mild stimulants, and are 
found in such cases to be most valuable. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AN'D HOGS 57 



VICES OF 
COWS 



A cow properly treated from the first is 
always gentle and without troublesome 
habits. The dairyman who breeds his 
herd can control this, as no truer proverb exists than 
that many owners spoil the cow. The chief faults of 
the dairy cow are kicking, holding up her milk and self- 
sucking, all of them very provoking. Patience, kind- 
ness and a gentle but firm rule, is about the most effec- 
tive treatment by which these habits can be corrected. 
Kicking is probably the worst, because the most 
wasteful fault of the cow, and can most always be en- 
tirely cured by kind words and a little petting. If this 
does not answer, the milker must not lose patience, but 
try a sharp cut or two with a rawhide, which will teach 
a lasting lesson. In case it does not stop the habit, tie a 
rope in a slanting position all way around the body just 
in front of the udder and just in front of the tail. A 
cow tied this way will not kick. Holding up the milk 
seldom occurs with cows whose calves are removed at 
birth and brought up by hand, as is now the generally 
approved method in the best dairies. Many ways to 
overcome this habit have been tried, but none better 
than soothing words, petting and perseverance. If the 
case continues obstinate, refuge is found in the silver 
milking tube. 



53 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

Self-sucking is a habit contracted at any age, old or 
young, and if not broken entirely, destroys the animal's 
usefulness and results in certain loss to her owner. 
When everything else fails, slitting the tongue at the 
end for about two inches makes the action of suction 
impossible. While cruel, this seems the only remedy 
if the habit is firmly established. 



NOTE 



CHAPTER X. 

READ THIS CAREFULLY. 

In treating on diseases, we have endeav- 
ored in all cases to give, in our judgment, 
the very best remedies, and where our own products are 
named we consider them the bestfoi' the case, and in our 
actual practice we should use them and no other. We 
manufacture the following well-known remedies for 
cows, sheep and hogs : Pratts Food for Horses and Cattle, 
Pratts Animal Regulator, Pratts Purely Vegetable Con- 
dition Powder, Pratts Cow Tonic, Pratts Calf Tonic and 
Pratts Hog Cholera Cure. 

At the same time, as this book is intended to be a 
standard work of general information upon cows, sheep 
and hogs, we specify other remedies in addition to our 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 69 

own, preferring to give other information in our posses- 
sion, thereby allowing the reader the choice of remedies. 

We feel it advisable to specially mention that all 
our preparations are known as the greatest Animal 
Regulators of the present day, strictly up to date, and 
used and endorsed by many thousands throughout the 
United States, Europe and other foreign countries. 

Every package is sold under our affidavit, guaran- 
teeing its freeness from poisons or other injurious ingre- 
dients. They are pure and wholesome, and can be used 
without the least fear of bad results that often follow 
many unreliable remedies for live stock. 

They control and regulate the blood, bowels and 
digestive organs ; act as mild tonics and stimulants, and 
thereby cure and prevent the many diseases arising from 
these causes, and are used with greater success than any 
known preparation. 

They are composed of medicinal roots, herbs and 
barks of the best quality only, and manufactured with 
the greatest care and exactness, the utmost cleanliness 
being observed. 

They are quick in action, safe to use and high-grade 
in every particular. 

In mixing them with the feed, at first it may be 
well to dampen them. When fed dry, however, be care- 



60 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

ful to see they do not sift through the feed and lie un- 
eaten at the bottom of the trough. After the animals 
become acquainted with the flavor, they are eaten with 
a relish. 

In all cases where the animal is too sick to eat 
make a gruel of Pratts Remedies, by mixing with warm 
water, and pour down the throat ; where quick move- 
ment of the bowels is necessary, they can be given in 
large doses at first, then gradually reduce size and 
lengthen time between the doses, and as the animal 
recovers mix with the regular feed and discontinue the 
gruel. After the necessary movement of the bowels (in 
cases of sick animals), the quantity should be reduced 
to the amount necessary to keep the bowels natural and 
regular. The gruel form of feeding is only required : 
first, when the animal needs prompt action of the 
bowels ; second, when the animal is too sick to eat ; or 
third, when the condition of the animal requires prompt 
or more than ordinary treatment. In all other cases, 
Pratts Remedies should be fed by mixing them with the 
regular feed. 

The constant feeding of our preparations keeps live 
stock in such excellent condition that they are not liable 
to disease. Many dairies are kept entirely free from all 
sickness by their constant use as a dairy food, Their 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 61 

equal is unknown for standing bulls and stallions, and 
more than pays for the cost many times over. Oxen are 
healthy and grow larger ; their meat is finer flavored. 
Calves grow quickly, robust and healthy. Swine are 
free from all diseases and can be raised with much profit 
when Pratts Remedies are used. They prevent and 
positively cure hog cholera, except in its last stages. 
Sheep fed on Pratts Remedies pay largely. I,ambs are 
strong and free from disease. As horse regulators they 
are endorsed by all. Full directions for feeding are 
found in every package. 



THE DAIRY 
COW 



CATTLE DISEASES. 
The cow is a hardy, healthy animal, and 
if properly fed and cared for, is subject to 
very little sickness. The dairy cow, when 
fed judiciously, will frequently last twenty years, but this 
cannot be expected if she suffers from neglect, careless, 
ness or cruelty. The Jersey cow, while high-bred and 
valuable for her remarkable products of milk and butter, 
is not as robust, but far more delicate than the ordinary 
dairy cow. Notwithstanding this, she is a favorite with 
the dairyman, and often purchased as the family cow. 
''Prevention is better than cure," and, therefore, the 



62 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

farmer should take the greatest care to avoid all existing 
or exciting causes of illness, and be quick to detect and 
prompt to remedy approaching trouble. A healthy 
animal shows unmistakable signs of its condition — the 
eyes are bright, coat smooth, appetite good, breathing 
regular and milk given in full measure. The sick cow 
has more or less fever, failing appetite, hot muzzle and 
rapid breathing. The soft eyes become dull, the hair 
rough, and all these symptoms rapidly increase, becom- 
ing more marked, unless the cause is determined and 
relief obtained. Illness usually arises from overfeeding, 
exposure and sudden cold, in which immediate action 
must be taken. Animals are patient and without com- 
plaint until sickness is firmly fixed upon them. Only 
constant vigilance of the farmer can keep the dairy herd 
in good condition. To do this is to his interest and profit. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS 

Is caused by over-exertion or exposure, and is notice- 
able by a shivering, droopy appearance, loss of ap- 
petite and feverishness. The action of the lungs is 
quite rapid, and the breathing short, of a panting 
character. The cow generally goes dry after being at- 
tacked, and in very bad cases, the animal stands with 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COIVS, SHEEP AND HOGS 63 

legs wide apart, and with the nose pointed toward the 
window or door, as if trying to get fresh air. It gener- 
ally gets hide-bound, the muzzle is hot and the nostrils 
scarlet. Blankets wrung out in hot water should be 
continually applied to the chest and sides, and a blister 
of turpentine and mustard may also be applied. The 
treatment must be quick. If it is necessary to move the 
bowels, large doses of Pratts Food, Pratts Cow Tonic or 
Pratts Condition Powder should be given in gruel form. 
After the bowls move freely, reduce the size of dose and 
lengthen the time between doses. When the animal 
commences to eat, mix the regular quantity in each feed. 
In referring to note on page 58, you will find we mention 
our intention to give other remedies, so we name the 
following remedy to be given every three hours, first, 
however, giving one quart of castor oil to move the 
bowels : Twenty drops Tincture of Aconite ; four 
drachms Carbonate of Ammonia ; two drachms of Bella- 
donna. Mix thoroughly in one pint of water. 



PLEURISY. 

This is produced by the same causes that produce 
inflammation of the lungs. It will be noted especially 
by the character of the breathing. There will be ex- 



64 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

treme tenderness of the muscles of the chest, also a 
jerky movement by the abdominal muscles. There is 
also a marked tenderness between the ribs, which can 
be noted by pressing the animal there. Sometimes the 
water has to be drawn from the chest, which, however, 
requires the services of a veterinarian, and should not 
be done by one not knowing how to go about it. Pleu- 
risy yields very quickly to prompt administration of 
Pratts Food, Pratts Cow Tonic or Pratts Condition 
Powder, which should be fed in gruel form if the animal 
is too sick to eat. The same blister applications, etc., 
as mentioned for inflammation of the lungs should also 
be used. Our note on page 58 explains that we will 
give other treatments, so we mention the following : 
Twenty drops Tincture of Aconite ; three fluid ounces 
Acetate of Ammonia. Mixed in one pint of water. 



BRONCHITIS. 
This disease is an inflammation of the larger tubes 
of the lungs. It is always accompanied by a cough. 
There is a dullness and drooping of the spirits, loss of 
appetite, mouth hot and dry, nostrils scarlet or reddish 
brown. The cough is at first harsh, and then followed 
by a whitish discharge from the nose, and then becomes 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 65 

more soft and rattling. You will notice the discharge 
from the nose about the third or fourth day. The ani- 
mal generally lies down. It should be kept in a warm 
stable and fed soft food and have good care. Pratts 
Food, Pratts Cow Tonic or Pratts Condition Powder in 
large doses in form of a gruel, sufficient to physic the 
animal, should be given and then the quantity reduced 
to the regular amount. Sometimes warm water injected 
into the bowels helps recovery. The front of the throat 
or chest may be blistered, or hot water cloths applied 
and then covered with blankets. The nose bag, recom- 
mended for horses, is a mighty fine thing, and often effects 
a rapid recovery, along with the constant use of Pratts 
Remedies. As per note on page 58, we give the following : 
Three fluid ounces Acetate of Ammonia ; one-half fluid 
drachm Tincture of Squills. Mixed with one pint of 
water. 



COLDS. 

They are generally noticed by a heated forehead 
and sneezing of the animal. Very frequently there is a 
cough, sometimes diarrhoea, much fever and loss of ap- 
petite. At other times, the animal is constipated and 
deficient in urine. In cases of severe illness, liberal 



66 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS y SHEEP AND HOGS 

quantities of Pratts Food, Pratts Cow Tonic or Pratts 
Condition Powder in gruel form are all that is necessary, 
gradually reducing as the animal recovers. Many per- 
sons have home remedies which they apply according 
to their judgment. The animal should be kept warm 
and legs bandaged. Other local outward applications, 
as given for pleurisy and inflammation of the lungs, will 
also be found useful. 



OVERLOADED PAUNCH. 

Any kind of food will produce this trouble if taken 
too freely. It is slower to develop than bloat. The left 
side is distended and hangs downward. There is diffi- 
culty in breathing and stupor. It is caused by grain 
food. Diarrhoea sets in before death as a rule. Where 
Pratts Food, Pratts Cow Tonic or Pratts Condition 
Powder are properly fed, this disease never occurs. If 
movement of the bowels is required very quickly, we 
mention : One pound Epsom Salts ; one pound Glauber 
Salts ; two fluid ounces Oil of Turpentine ; one-half 
drachm Nux Vomica. Mix thoroughly. 

The above can be given along with the usual dose 
of Pratts Remedies, and is simply mentioned as a rapid 
purgative, but we would not recommend its use unless the 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 67 

animal is really suffering from severe costiveness and 
quick movement must be had, as Pratts Remedies, in 
gruel form, will move the bowels, but take a little longer 
time than the above. 



MAD STAGGERS. 
Caused by feverish condition of the system, also by 
eating dry grain husks or bleached hay, which collects in 
hard lumps and can be felt by pressing the right side 
with the closed fist. The dung is scanty and hard, yet 
may be at first, the animal will have diarrhoea. The 
animal lies on left side, with head turned to right flank. 
Paralysis, stupor or convulsions may follow, or mad de- 
lirium so bad that the animal may dash straight ahead, re- 
gardless of any obstacles, sometimes breaking its horns. 
Give a quart of castor oil, and at once commence with 
double quantity of Pratts Food, Pratts Cow Tonic or 
Pratts Condition Powder. Repeat the castor oil in eight 
hours if the first dose does not move the bowels. An in- 
jection of warm water into the bowels will help to move 
them quickly if the disease is so far gone that you can- 
not wait for the castor oil to act. The food should be 
gruel and soft foods. However, as per our note on page 
58, we give this additional recipe : Four drachms of Car- 
bonate Ammonia every three hours. 



68 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. 
Caused by irritating food, also a change in the water. 
At times the dung may be passed in small balls streaked 
with blood ; the animal will suffer much pain and rush 
recklessly about. Sometimes it is caused by eating 
poisonous plants ; the urine in this case will be high-col- 
ored and often bloody. Mucus may be found in the dung 
instead of blood. There will be belching of gas and bad 
breath. Diarrhoea may start, which will either cure the 
animal or cause it to die quickly. In case of extreme 
pain, two ounces of laudanum may be given by injection 
or in the mouth to ease the pain. In bad cases, blankets 
wrung out in hot water may be applied to the abdomen. 
Pratts Food, Pratts Cow Tonic or Pratts Condition 
Powder, mixed with a warm gruel every two hours are 
the best to give first, after that soft feed mixed with 
Pratts Remedies should be given for some weeks. Note 
on page 58, leads us to mention: Carbonate of Ammonia, 
four drachms ; Extract of Belladonna, two drachms. 
Give in warm gruel every two hours. 



DIARRHOEA— SCOURS. 

Large doses of Pratts Food, Pratts Cow Tonic 
or Pratts Condition Powder in necessary quantities to 
physic the animal are all that is needed. If the animal 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 69 

is too sick to eat, make a gruel of Pratts Remedies 
mixed with warm water and pour down the throat. 
After which, continue with them together with starchy 
foods, gruels and mashed roots. In chronic diarrhoea, 
Pratts Remedies are invaluable. In case it continues 
too long, the animal should be killed, and buried deep, 
and should not be eaten under any circumstances nor fed 
to the hogs. As per our plan to furnish another recipe 
(see note on page 58), we give the following : Two fluid 
drachms of Tincture of Kino. Three times daily. 



DYSENTERY. 
In its first stages, the dung is semi-fluid and of bad 
odor ; later contains blood and mucus and is very offen- 
sive. Discharges are very painful and straining. The 
appetite is lost, hair staring and thirst is great. There 
is much fever. Pratts Food, Pratts Cow Tonic or Pratts 
Condition Powder in large doses (in gruel form if the 
animal cannot eat), sufficient to physic, are all that is 
necessary. Afterwards continue usual size doses. How- 
ever, as per note on page 58, we mention : Two ounces 
pulverized inner bark White Oak ; two fluid ounces Oil 
of Turpentine. Mixed with one quart of water or gruel, 
given twice daily. 



70 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

SCOURS IN CALVES. 
This is simply indigestion. It is noted by poor ap- 
petite, or a very ravenous appetite, a bloated pot belly, 
staring hair, bad breath and watery diarrhoea. The 
calf soon becomes emaciated and dies. A good thing to 
do is to give two fluid ounces of castor oil with a tea- 
spoonful of laudanum, and then feed Pratts Calf Tonic in 
gruel form regularly. We advise castor oil only when a 
quick physic is required ; if the case is not an extreme 
one, we would not advise giving it. If it is a sucking 
calf, be sure and feed the cow Pratts Food, as it is always 
well to treat the cow same as the calf during the time 
of sucking. There is nothing better to prevent calves 
from scouring than Pratts Calf Tonic. It is prepared 
specially to act quickly on the more delicate organs of 
the little fellows. 



COIvIC. 

One pint of Glauber salts dissolved in pint of warm 
water should be first given, and afterward inject a quart 
of warm water in the bowels, with two fluid ounces of 
laudanum added to it. Then feed regularly Pratts Food, 
Pratts Cow Tonic or Pratts Condition Powder, mixed 
with warm water as a gruel, if the animal is too sick to 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 71 

eat. Colic does not occur when Pratts Remedies are fed 
regularly. We would advise blankets wrung out in hot 
water to relieve the pain. In extreme cases, especially 
if there is nervous excitement, give (see page 58) the 
following : Four drachms of Carbonate of Ammonia ; 
two drachms of Belladonna. Mixed with one pint of 
water. 



WORMS. 



There is one positive remedy, and that is Pratts 
Specially Prepared Worm Powder. It kills and expels 
worms every time. Worms simply cannot exist when 
this powder is used. 



CHOKING. 

When the animal gets an object in its throat which 
it cannot pass, it will be noticed by staring eyes, great 
distress and rapid swelling of the stomach. Such ob- 
structions can most generally be removed by pushing 
them down with the hand, of course, at the same time, 
properly securing the jaws so they are kept wide apart. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS. 

This often occurs from eating poisonous plants or 



72 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

decayed food. It sometimes occurs right after calving. 
It will be noted by slight shivering, increased heat ; the 
animal attempts to urinate frequently and passes but 
little, which is high-colored flecked with blood. By 
pressing on the loins, it will cause the animal to shrink 
on account of those parts being so tender. There is 
stiffness in the hind legs and a straddling gait. In ex- 
treme cases, it may be well to cause quick action of the 
bowels by administering one and one-half pints castor 
oil mixed with two fluid ounces of laudanum. Follow 
this by free use of Pratts Food, Pratts Cow Tonic or 
Pratts Condition Powder. In ordinary cases simply use 
large doses at first, then reduce to regular quantity with- 
out the castor oil. Blankets wrung out in hot water 
may be applied to the loins for several hours, followed 
by a blister. Fluid food should be given until the danger 
is passed. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER. 

This is noted by frequent passage of urine ; there 
will be a twisting of the tail, uneasiness of the hind 
parts, straddling gait and slight fever. Pratts Food, 
Pratts Cow Tonic or Pratts Condition Powder in large 
doses can be given so as to move the bowels, which is 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COIVS, SHEEP AND HOGS 73 

all that is necessary in these cases. Feed in gruel form 
if cow is too sick to eat ; if not, mix with regular feed. 
Sometimes the disease is noticed in cows right after 
calving, and extreme costiveness of the bowels in such 
cases may be relieved quickly by a dose of castor oil. 
Inflammation of the bladder is cured and prevented by 
the use of Pratts Remedies, and calving is made freer 
and cleaner. 

RED WATER 
Is a constitutional ailment, as a rule. Proper treatment 
is change of food, followed by same treatment as men- 
tioned for inflammation of the kidneys. Feed on mashes 
until the animal gets better, Pratts Food, Pratts Cow 
Tonic or Pratts Condition Powder prevents and cures 
red water, and is certain and quick. 



ABORTION IN COWS 
Is caused by either of the following : herding together 
of large numbers of cows, high feeding, crowded space, 
smutty corn and ergoty pastures or accidental injuries. 
Frequently when one cow aborts in a herd, others will 
follow from sympathy or infectious nature of the dis- 
ease. The cow which has aborted should be immedi- 



74 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

ately removed from the rest of the herd. When a case 
of this kind occurs, it is well to give all the animals in 
the herd Pratts Food, Pratts Cow Tonic or Pratts Con- 
dition Powder. The sick animal should be fed on cool- 
ing food, such as soft mashes, etc. If there are any 
signs of weakness, Pratts Remedies (in gruel form where 
necessary, if animal is too sick to eat) will give the ani- 
mal strength. If the case is very serious, to relieve the 
animal of pain only, a small dose of laudanum may be 
administered. In advanced stages, it may be necessary 
to remove the dead calf, for which a veterinarian should 
be called in. Where Pratts Food, Pratts Cow Tonic or 
Pratts Condition Powder are fed constantly, they not 
only prevent the abortion in cows, but in all cases where 
instructions have been followed, they have stopped the 
abortion, and not only prevented the balance of the 
herd from aborting, but built up the health of the affected 
cow. As per our note, page 58, we mention a recipe of 
one-half ounce of chlorate of potassa daily to be given 
to the well animals. 



MILK FEVER. 
This is generally caused by high fever before and 
after calving, or running into rich pasture during hot 
weather ; there is a feverish condition and inflammation 



PRATTS TOINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 75 

of the brain ; a complete stoppage of urine or dung. 
In the last stages, the cow goes into a state of stupor. 
Prevention is far better than cure in these cases, and 
proper care and Pratts Food, Pratts Cow Tonic or Pratts 
Condition Powder have invariably prevented anything 
like milk fever occurring. However, should this disease 
appear, for the benefit of those not feeding Pratts Reme- 
dies, we might mention that one pound of Epsom salts 
should be given to the cow so affected directly after 
calving, but to none others. Then feed Pratts Reme- 
dies, and you will have satisfactory recovery of the 
animal in most all cases ; but we give another remedy, 
as per note on page 58, as follows : Four drachms of 
Carbonate of Ammonia ; one scruple Nux Vomica. 
Mix in one pint of water. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE WOMB 
Is generally caused by difficult calving or improper 
removal of the after-birth. It is noticed by shivering 
fits, colicky pains, uneasiness of the hind parts, twisting 
of the tail, looking toward the flank and frequent strain- 
ing. The entrance to the vagina has a red, inflamed 
appearance. If the hand is introduced, the womb will 
be found dilated with fluid which must be withdrawn by 



76 TRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

use of a small rubber tube, which should be followed by 
injections of warm water to clean the womb, and a tea- 
spoonful of solution of carbolic acid, mixed with a pint 
of warm water, should also be injected. Sometimes a 
pound of sulphate of soda is good. However, a gruel 
of Pratts Food, Pratts Cow Tonic or Pratts Condition 
Powder, should the animal be too sick to eat, is all that 
is necessary in cases of this kind, with proper care as 
mentioned above. After the animal has recovered, 
Pratts Remedies should be fed, mixed with its regular 
feed. The womb should be cleaned out every couple of 
hours with the solution of carbolic acid and warm water, 
as mentioned above. 



BLOODY MILK. 

This is caused generally by injuries to the bag* 
Some cows show signs of it during heat. We would 
advise changing the regular food, feeding Pratts Food, 
Pratts Cow Tonic or Pratts Condition Powder, and 
apply plenty of cold water to the bag, and be very care- 
ful in milking. 



GARGET. 
This occurs from too great a supply of milk-pro- 
ducing foods, or from local injuries. The bag may be 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COIVS, SHEEP AND HOGS 77 

hard and a lump felt in the centre. Cold water applica- 
tions are a good thing, and Pratts Food, Pratts Cow 
Tonic or Pratts Condition Powder (in gruel form where 
necessary) is all that is required. Active hand rubbing 
of the bag three or four times a day is good. Iodide of 
potassium in drachm doses is helpful. The milk must 
be drawn off frequently, and if painful, a milking tube 
must be used to allow it to run out. 



TO PREVENT LEAKING OF MILK. 
This may be prevented by taking white oak bark, 
put in water and boil down to a strong solution. After 
milking, soak ends of leaky teat in the solution for a few 
minutes. 



PLEURO-PNEUMONIA. 
This is generally noted in the sick animal by droop- 
ing head, arched neck, hollow flanks, dull-looking or 
staring coat and a general appearance of great dejection. 
The pulse is frequent, sometimes full, during the latter 
stages of the disease it is frequent. There is some little 
mucus at the nose and very high-colored urine, which is 
often retained for a long while until the bladder becomes 
very much distended. The cow stops giving milk in the 



78 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS y SHEEP AND HOGS 

early stages of the disease. There is costiveness and 
the breathing frequent, sometimes panting. The tem- 
perature of the body is from 107 to 109. There is a 
trembling and twitching of the muscles and unsteady 
gait. In advanced stages the animal lies down and has 
partial paralysis of the hind quarters, the hind limbs 
being drawn slightly under the belly and the fetlock 
joints bent as in other severe diseases. Sometimes the 
paralysisextends to the fore legs. We advise killing the 
animal at once. Pratts Food, Pratts Cow Tonic or 
Pratts Condition Powder will, if given in time, prevent 
this disease. 

COW-POX OR VARIOLA. 
This is a highly contagious, eruptive fever, com- 
municated alike to mankind, horses and cows. Round 
inflamed spots appear upon the teats (see illustration), 
and in three or four days fill with liquid, which after- 
ward becomes thick yellow pus. This is the true vac- 
cine-virus used by inoculation as an antidote for small- 
pox. The influence of cow-pox upon mankind is much 
the same as vaccination — a slight fever, swelling of the 
glands and headache. The disease spreads through an 
entire herd of dairy cows very rapidly, probably con- 
veyed by the milkers, whose hands and clothing natu- 




PRATTS POINTERS ON COIVS, SHEEP AND HOGS 79 

rally become infected. This disease is not a dangerous 
one, neither is the treatment difficult ; 
the greatest care, however, must be 
taken not to break the pox, or they 
will make stubborn sores, troublesome 
to heal. To allay the constant irrita- 
tion, apply Pratts Veterinary Healing cow-pox. 
Ointment and give Pratts Food, Pratts Cow Tonic or 
Pratts Condition Powder, to regulate the general system. 
This should be given to all the cows and heifers not yet 
affected. 

APHTHA, SORES ON THE LIPS AND TONGUE. 
This disease is confined to painful blisters, soon 
becoming sores on the lips and tongue, so that the cow 
cannot eat and grows weak, falling off in milk rapidly. 
It yields readily to simple treatment. The mouth is 
washed twice a day with one ounce borax and one fluid 
ounce tincture of myrrh mixed in one quart of water. 
Pratts Food, Pratts Cow Tonic or Pratts Condition 
Powder should be carefully fed to all the herd when 
aphtha first appears. If the mouth is too sore to permit the 
animal to eat freely, we would recommend a gruel of 
Pratts Remedies mixed with warm water, and then pour 
down the throat ; feed the animal on regular gruel feed. 



80 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

OBSTRUCTED TEATS. 

j°i Small tumors sometimes form and close 

M the milk ducts, but in the same manner as a 

K | boil, they usually come to a head and break. 

AJW At times, however, they make a permanent 

pfjr obstruction, which has to be removed with a 

caked bag probe, and the passage afterward kept open 

tube. w ith a wooden plug until perfectly healed. 



DEPRAVED APPETITE. 
Cows will at times select rotten wood, old bones, 
rubbish, etc., as diet, which shows plainly that, from 
irritation of the stomach, they are possessed of an un- 
natural appetite. Pregnancy, a diseased liver, tubercu- 
losis, balls of hair and other foreign substances in the 
stomach will produce this condition, which should be 
treated as ordinary indigestion. Pratts Food, Pratts 
Cow Tonic or Pratts Condition Powder are excellent 
regulators of the appetite, and should be fed in liberal 
doses to the sick animals. 




£ 

>&$£ 



SHEEP 



i »<■• 



$96* 



PART II. 



PRATTS POINTERS 

ON 

THE SHEEP* 



CHAPTER I. 



GENERAL REMARKS ON SHEEP-RAISING. 



ORIGIN OF 
SHEEP- 
RAISING 



Sheep-raising is one of the oldest of 
man's industries. The herding of sheep 
dates back almost to the beginning of 
the world. In the early ages, the necessities for sustain- 
ing life were not so plentiful, so man turned quite natur- 
ally to the sheep for its wool to use in protecting his 

*To obtain all the advantages of our remarks on the sheep, first 
read the note on page 58. 

(81) 



82 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

body, and the meat for his food. It does not cost much 
to keep sheep, when you think of the slight cost of the 
food and the great profit derived. They eat grass and 
cheap fodder, which is of little value unless used in this 
way, and return it threefold in their product of wool, 
mutton and manure. The sheep is not an animal 
adapted to endure hardship. Without proper food and 
shelter, the wool will lose its softness, the lambs born, 
prove weak and small, showing that to thrive, the sheep 
must be well cared for. 



CHOOSING 
THE FARM 



The climate and the natural advantages 
which this country affords, to those who 
are thinking of raising sheep as a 
business, or on their farms, in connection with other 
work, is second to none. This occupation has been 
steadily on the increase of late years. Hilly farms are 
often a great source of labor for their owners from which 
they get little return, but when these same hills are 
turned into grazing land for the sheep, the profit is more 
than doubled. There is not so much need that the soil 
be rich, but the drainage is the all-important point. If 
the land is not drained naturally, artificial drainage has 
to be resorted to, and while this often costs a great deal, 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 83 

it will pay in the end. It is unwise to select pasture 
where pools of stagnant water exist, as animals drinking 
from them, become diseased in a very short time. A 
sandy or gravelly soil, uneven and hilly, with short grass 
generously mixed with clover, is particularly favorable 
to the sheep. 



WATER 
SUPPLY 



Sheep need fresh water, and in large 
quantities. A permanent spring or run- 
ning stream is very convenient and 
economical, but a good well answers the purpose. Hard 
water is the best, that is, water that contains more or 
less lime and salt. These are good for the sheep's 
system. 



GRASSES IN 

THIS 

COUNTRY 



The farmer is very familiar with the 
more common grasses, such as Red 
Top, Kentucky Blue, Orchard Timothy, 
Oat-top and White Clover. These are the principal 
grasses in this country, and make excellent food for the 
sheep. The physical condition of an animal, whether 
good or bad, is shown by unmistakable signs which 
should not be disregarded by those responsible for its 
care. The wool of the well-fed and properly nourished 
sheep will be soft and very greasy, while that of the 



84 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



poorly fed animal will be dry and harsh to the touch. 
In the latter case, the diet should be changed and 
exposure to cold and bleak winds avoided. Peas, corn 
or oats cut and fed green, furnish excellent additional 
nourishment. 



Years gone by, wolves and wild beasts 
were the worst enemies to sheep ; at the 
present day dogs are their worst enemies, 
and the greatest possible care should be taken to protect 



CARE OF 
THE SHEEP 





DOG GUARDS. 



them from these creatures. This is easily accomplished 
by the use of "dog guards," a very simple contrivance 




«— . . "V^>«« ' 



SHEEP SHED. 



of wires easily attached and adjusted, which afford com- 
plete protection to the flock, 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COfVS, SHEEP AND HOGS 85 

A well-built shed as shelter, should be provided for 
the flock even in summer. This is shown in a practical 
form in illustration here given. It does not cost much, 
and can be so located that each side will open into a 
separate pasture. Sheep enjoy roaming, and it is an 
acknowledged fact that they do not thrive as well, when 
kept in the same pasture on the same diet for any length 
of time. It is curious to note how sheep will select cer- 
tain places in a pasture and crop them close, as if the 
herbage were sweeter and better there than elsewhere. 
In this way nature indicates the food they prefer and, as a 
rule, that which is best for them. 



THE SICK 

SHEEP 



When sick, an animal is guided by in- 
stinct to seek a remedy in the plant 
world. At such time it will eat, with 
eagerness and seeming relish, weeds and leaves with a 
very bitter and unpleasant taste. This fact convinced 
the shepherd of early times that he must depend upon 
wormwood and wild parsley as cures for all troubles of 
the sheep. The sheep-raiser of the present day finds in 
regular feedings of Pratts Food or Pratts Condition Pow- 
der both prevention and cure, in a much more con- 
venient and reliable form. 



86 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



CHAPTER II. 

CARE OF THE FLOCK IN WINTER. 

The sheep must be comfortably sheltered 
in winter. A good barn or shed can be 
built for this purpose. It need not be an 
expensive structure, but should be placed on high, dry 
ground and have a tight roof and good floor. 



NECESSARY 
BUILDINGS 




SHEEP BARN. 

The barn should have a loft for storing fodder, hay, 
etc. , a ground floor with convenient feeding racks, and 
underneath a basement, containing a small cellar for 




CHEAP SHEEP SHED. 



keeping roots. Traps are so arranged in the loft that 
hay may be put in the racks from above. Sheep require 



PR/tTTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 87 

a great amount of fresh air, therefore the barn is usually 
placed with its front to the south and without doors. 
Many farmers prefer a wide sliding door, however, which 




HURDI.E. 

can be used in extreme weather to shut out the snow 
and wind. Below we give an illustration of an inex- 
pensive sheep shed. 

Many labor-saving inventions are now presented for 
use upon the sheep farm, among them the field hurdle, 




SHEEP NETTING. 

used to divide a pasture into strips, that it may be fed 
and fertilized evenly. A strong netting of hemp or co- 
coanut fibre is also furnished for the same purpose, and 



88 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

with shepherds in England, is considered more conve- 
nient than the wooden hurdles. 

The portable hurdle, made from crossed sticks on a 
centre pole, can be lifted and moved at a moment's 




PORTABLE HURDLE. 

notice, and is much used to shut in portions of the pas- 
ture for feeding, while those exhausted may be given 
opportunity to strengthen and grow again. 

The practical farmer needs no description of the 
ordinary feed rack for sheep, but the new portable rack 




PORTABLE FEEDING RACK. 



deserves mention. It is long, narrow, and with two un- 
derneath wheels at each end, and handles in front. The 
top is covered with narrow strips of wood dividing it 
into feeding sections. It is moved with the same ease as 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 89 

a wheelbarrow, and intended to convey the cut roots to 
any part of the yard or pasture, and can also be used 
for hay or green fodder. 



SHED FOR A 
FEW SHEEP 



The farmer who keeps a small number 
of sheep, of course only needs a small 
shed. It can be built very cheaply, hav- 
ing a deep projecting roof and entirely open in front. 
The little yard that surrounds this shed should be en- 
closed by a fence. A pen is sometimes boarded up in 
one corner of the shed for the shelter of ewes with 
young lambs, who cannot endure the cold winds of early 
spring. Corn stalks, straw, forest leaves, sawdust, etc., 
make the best litter for the floor of the sheep barn or 
shed. 



WINTER 
FOODS 



Sheep, more than any other animals, 
enjoy a change of food and thrive bet- 
ter on it. The farmer has a great num- 
ber of foods to select from when choosing food for 
the winter. He need only consider the market price 
of the food and the object of his sheep-raising. If 
rapid growth is desired, both in ewes and the lambs they 
produce, clover hay ranks first as a winter diet. Pea 
and oat straws also furnish nutritious food. Corn stalks 



OO PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

form a better bedding than they do food. Sugar beet is 
undoubtedly the best feed for sheep and, when used in 
connection with dry fodder, furnishes almost a perfect 
diet ; and turnips are also most nutritious. 

To feed roots judiciously, the farmer must take into 
consideration the kind of sheep, their weight, etc. It is 
claimed as a safe rule that a bushel and a half of roots 
may be fed daily to fifteen sheep who weigh 150 lbs. 
each, and in connection with this may be given 1% lbs. 
of hay and ^ lb. of bran to each animal. The sheep- 
raiser will gain the most available knowledge in refer- 
ence to his flock by experience and constant watchful- 
ness of cause and result. Grains are valuable as fattening 
food for sheep. 

regularity When sheep are taken from pasture in 
IN the fall and put upon a diet of dry 

FEEDING 

I fodder, great care must be taken that 




ROOT CUTTER AND PUI.PER. 

their health does not suffer from it. Machines for cut- 
ting up roots before feeding are now on the market. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 91 

When the roots are prepared in this manner, there is less 
danger of their choking. Better results will be given 
if the animals are fed regularly, and their appetites and 
digestion will be improved. Fresh water should always 
be kept where the sheep can get it when they want it. 
The sheep will thrive and grow faster when they are at- 
tended to properly. 



CHAPTER III. 



BREEDS OF SHEEP. 



AHERICAN 
BREEDS 



The first sheep imported from England, 
were of a much better quality than the 
sheep which were imported from Spain. 
These were thin and the wool coarse. Some of this old 
stock though somewhat improved, can be found out on 
the plains of the West. The already greatly improved 
stock is being made better each year by the introduction 
of Leicester, Southdown and Cotswold blood. 



CROSS-BRED 
SHEEP 



This is a breed of sheep in England and 
is explained thus : Certain breeds of 
sheep are noted for their fleece, and 
therefore, are kept especially as wool producers. These 
animals are of slow growth and mature late. Other 



92 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

breeds are distinguished by the choice quality and flavor 
of their meat, and are bred and raised for that product 
only. Mutton sheep, from feeding and fattening genera- 
tion after generation, lose their strength of constitution, 
and after a time are not prolific. By crossing the wool- 
bearing and the mutton sheep, the cross breed is 
obtained, which possesses advantage over both. It 
unites quick growth and early maturity with a good 
quality of mutton and wool, is strong and hardy, and 
the lambs produced are thrifty and good size. 



THE 

AMERICAN 

MERINO 



The American Merino ranks not only as 
the model sheep in this country, but in 
every other where its value has been 
tested. They are carefully bred. In the early part of 
this century, the consul in Lisbon purchased and sent to 
the United States several thousand sheep of the best 
pure breed in Spain. These were widely scattered all 
over the country and became the basis of many excellent 
herds. The wool is soft, oily and elastic to the touch, 
medium fine, and usually between two and three inches 
in length. (See illustration on back cover.) Some 
points in reference to wool are valuable to the sheep- 
raiser, among them, that the finest fleece is by no 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 93 

means the most profitable, as the present demand is for 
medium wool. It is claimed that the wool tester be- 
comes so expert in his business that he can determine 
the relative quality and value of different fleeces when 
blindfolded. 



THE SOUTH 
DOWN 



The many choice breeds of sheep in 
foreign countries cannot be described in 
the limit of this volume, but a few most 
used to improve the stock of this country will receive 
brief mention. The Southdown seems almost like a 




A 



SOUTHDOWN RAM. 



94 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

native American stock. It thrives well in the ordinary 
farm, being strong and hardy. The finest early lambs 
are secured by crossing the Merino ewe with a pure- 
bred Southdown or Cotswold ram. 



THE 
COTSWOLD 



Like the Southdown, this breed seems 
like a native American. It suits itself 
very easily to the climate and also takes 



very kindly to the pasture. 




PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 95 



THE 
iriPROVED 

KENTUCKY 



About fifty years ago, a Kentucky breeder, 
being desirous of improving his stock, 
carefully selected a number of the best 
ewes, and bred them with a Merino ram. The ewes from 
this cross were bred with an imported pure-bred Leices- 
ter, and their lambs in turn with the finest Cotswold. 
The Virginia sheep produce choice mutton, a long fine 
fleece. The lambs are active, large and mature early, 
which are all points of the good sheep. This stock is 
now generally accepted, especially in the South and 
West, as excellent and reliable. 



CHAPTER IV. 

BREEDING. 

Sheep-raisers, in choosing a ram, take into 
consideration its shape and the quality 
of its fleece. The model sire has a round body, short 
legs, broad loin, small head and close wool. 



THE RAM 



CARE OE 
THE EWE 



The sheep carries her young five 
months, and should be bred so that 
the lambs will come in mild weather. 
During: this time the ewe must be well fed and 
may be given small quantities of bran; oats or crushed 
corn. Pratts Food or Pratts Condition Powder should 



06 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



be fed in regular rations each day, in order to keep the 
sheep in good condition and to make the lambs strong 
and healthy. If this system of management is steadily 
observed, the lamb will be dropped without trouble, the 
ewe will give an abundant supply of milk to nourish it 
and both will thrive astonishingly. A sheep is not al- 




HURDI/B FOR EWES. 

ways willing to nurse her offspring, but can be com- 
pelled to do so by a very simple arrangement, known to 
the sheep-raiser as a hurdle. It is simply a pair of bars 
between which the sheep is fastened in such a manner 
that the lamb can nurse, and she is unable to prevent it. 
In a few hours she will become accustomed to her new 
duties and offer no further resistance. 



The sheep-raising farmer must decide 
from locality and circumstance which 
product will yield the best profit. If he 
looks to the fleece as a return for his outlay and labor, 



OBJECT 

IN 

KEEPING SHEEP 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP ANT) HOGS 97 

he should choose a wool-bearing breed. Should the 
convenience of a neighboring market afford opportunity 
for the sale of mutton and early lambs, he must select 
animals with quality of large size, early maturity and 
easy fattening. In crossing, all these points should be 
carefully considered. The ewes selected from the very 
best in the flock, and the ram, of whatever breed, the 
finest pure bred. Probably one of the best mothers is 
found in an improved native ewe with a generous share 
of Merino or Southdown blood in her veins. The ram 
may be pure-bred Cotswold, Southdown or Shropshire, 
as is most convenient. 



CLEANLINESS 

AND COMFORT 

NECESSARY 



Sheep will not thrive unless properly 
protected from cold and damp. They 
must be kept in clean pens and provided 
with plenty of clean, dry straw for bedding, or disease 
will appear in the flock. Precaution is better than a 
cure, applies particularly to sheep, who when given the 
right sort of care are seldom sick, but if neglected are 
subject to numberless diseases difficult to cure. Lambs 
are hardy, active little creatures when properly managed, 
and will grow and fatten very quickly under favorable 
surroundings. Animals sick and weakly from birth do 
not pay for the expense and trouble in raising, and should 



98 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



never be used to breed from ; the stock will retrograde 
rather than improve. It costs no more to feed a good 
flock than a poor one, and there is a wide difference in 
the financial result. 



FEEDING 
LITTLE LAMBS 



In instances where the mother dies and 
the lamb is too young to drink milk from 
a basin, it can be readily taught to nurse 
from a sponge placed in the spout of the ordinary tin tea- 
pot. The milk of the ewe is very rich, and the best 




FEEDING I,AMBS. 

substitute for it is found in slightly sweetened cow's 
milk warmed to the temperature when first drawn from 
the udder. 



A lamb is so innocent and confiding in 
its nature, that it suffers little neglect, 
but on the contrary is treated with great 
kindness by its care-takers. With all animals one fact 



CARE OF 
THE LAI1BS 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 09 

is the same : whatever the kind or breed, if it proves 
profitable and successful, it must be well fed and prop- 
erly cared for. If the lamb is to grow and mature early 
it should be given plenty of good food, and even while 
unweaned, additional nourishment may be added with 
benefit. If the ewes are kept in an enclosure the Eng- 
lish method of arranging a small yard adjoining with 




«***&m 



LAMB CREEP. 

several openings, through which the lambs can enter 
and eat from little food boxes prepared for them, is a 
great convenience. Rye, oats and bran ground very 
fine make suitable feed for growing lambs. 



WEANING 
LAMBS 



Before this is attempted, the lambs must 
be able to eat well, and if possible should 
be put in pasture that they may learn to 
nibble the fresh, tender grass. They should not be re- 
moved from their mothers at once, but taken away dur- 



L.ofC. 



100 PRATT S POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

ing the day and allowed to nurse at night, and in this 
way the supply of milk will lessen gradually so that the 
ewes will not suffer any discomfort. The lambs eating 
for themselves will soon forget their mothers. At this 
time, it is very important that the ewes receive the best 
care and to dry the milk without trouble or fever. 



CHAPTER V. 

DISEASES COMMON TO SHEEP. 



CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, PREVENTION AND CURE. 

Before treating on the above, however, we refer you 
to the note on page 58, which it would be well to look 
over carefully before reading our remarks in reference to 
diseases of sheep. 

Sheep are generally healthy animals, and few cases 
of sickness occur when they are properly taken care of. 
When neglected or improperly fed, however, like all 
other animals, they develop many ailments which fre- 
quently prove fatal unless promptly attended to. The 
symptoms of disease can be seen far enough in advance 
by careful watching, so that very few cases need prove 
fatal if the proper remedies are applied at the right time. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS lOl 

BRONCHITIS. 

In this disease there is an inflammation of the air 
passages, and if not promptly checked, inflammation of 
the lungs will follow. The symptoms are very much 
like catarrh, only the cough is more severe and there is 
some fever and loss of appetite. The treatment in this 
case is Pratts Food or Pratts Condition Powder, if very 
severe, in gruel form, and gradually reducing the dose 
and the length of time between doses, until the animal 
is in shape to eat, and then mix with the regular feed. 

At the same time, as per our note on page 58, we 
give the following : One drachm saltpetre, one drachm 
powdered gentian, and one ounce linseed oil, given for 
three or four days. 



PLEURISY. 

This is an inflammation of the membrane surround- 
ing the lungs, and is very acute and painful. It is 
caused by exposure, low condition of the system and is 
not contagious ; but many animals of the same flock 
often are taken sick because they are likely to be sub- 
jected to the same lack of care or exposure which causes 
it. Prevention is much better than cure, and by proper 
care pleurisy should be prevented. We advise Pratts 



102 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

Food or Pratts Condition Powder ; if the animal is very 
sick, in gruel form in large doses to move the bowels, 
and gradually decrease until the bowels are in good 
shape, then mix with regular feed. 

However, we give the following, as per note on 
page 58 : One drachm nitrate of potash, one scruple of 
powdered digitalis and two drachms spirits of nitre. 
Give twice a day for four or five days, but first move the 
bowels freely with castor oil or some other purgative. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS. 

This disease frequently occurs from herding too 
many sheep together ; then again it is the result of ex- 
posure or insufficient ventilation in the stable. The lat- 
ter is most frequently the cause. The common form 
will be known by the sheep panting, heaving of the 
flanks, discharge from the nose and a cough. 

Pratts Food or Pratts Condition Powder, fed in gruel 
form in frequent doses, is a valuable remedy. As the 
sheep recovers, the time between the doses should be 
lengthened, and as the sheep commences to eat, mix 
with the regular feed. In all cases where Pratts Reme- 
dies are used, after the bowels are once freely moved, 
the dose should be regulated so that the bowels will be 
natural and regular, 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 103 

As mentioned in onr note on page 58 to furnish 
other recipes, we would mention the following : Ten 
drops of fluid extract of gelsemium dropped on the tongue 
twice a day. One ounce of chlorate of potash in half a 
pint of flaxseed tea, given daily until the animal shows 
improvement. Keep the animal apart from the others, 
so that it may have rest and quiet. 



CATARRH. 

Generally caused by exposure to rains and stormy 
weather. It is noted by a discharge from the nostrils 
and sneezing and sometimes coughing. The sheep 
should be placed in dry quarters and given Pratts Food 
or Pratts Condition Powder, first in gruel form, later 
mixing with the regular feed. 

In accordance with our note on page 58, we, how- 
ever, give the following remedy : Two ounces of compo- 
sition powder in a quart of boiling water ; allow it to 
stand an hour, and after straining it, add three ounces 
of sugar of milk, and give about three tablespoonfuls 
several times a day. 

CONSTIPATION. 

Usually caused by a change in food. Frequently 
when sheep are changed from green pasture to dry 
fodder. Passages are hard and dry, and the animal 



104 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

moans with pain while the bowels are being moved. 
Costiveness is bad and should not be allowed to con- 
tinue. Where Pratts Food or Pratts Condition Pow- 
der are fed, constipation does not occur. In cases of 
severe costiveness give in large doses and then decrease 
gradually. If it is a very severe case, an injection of 
warm water and soapsuds should be made, which will 
give relief. 

As mentioned in our note on page 58, we give the 
following formula : One teaspoonful fluid extract of 
leptandra, two ounces Glauber salts in half pint of thin 
gruel, and drench the animal well. 

TUBERCULOSIS. 
This is a fatal disease, as is well known. The ani- 
mal should be killed at once and buried deep. The meat 
should not be eaten by either people or animals. The 
disease is too well known to elaborate on and too fatal 
to suggest any remedy. 

GARGET. 
This is inflammation of the milk glands, and will 
not occur if the milk is drawn should the ewe lose her 
lamb. Drawing the milk, bathing the udder with warm 
water and feeding Pratts Food or Pratts Condition Pow- 
der are all that is necessary. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COIVS, SHEEP AND HOGS 105 
DIARRHOEA. 

This usually occurs from sudden changes of diet, 
or damp and foggy weather. Liberal doses of Pratts 
Food or Pratts Condition Powder should be given in 
gruel form to thoroughly cleanse the bowels, and then 
gradually decrease to a sufficient quantity to keep the 
bowels in proper condition, at which time mix with the 
regular feed. It should be attended to promptly, how- 
ever, as it often proves fatal. As per our note on page 
58, we mention the following : One gill scalded milk, 
one drachm hyposulphite of soda, and one ounce pulver- 
ized animal charcoal. To a lamb give one-half this 
quantity, and repeat as often as seems necessary. 



RHEUMATISM. 

This is recognized as a blood disease and, of course, 
affects the whole system. It is almost always caused by 
exposure to cold and wet weather and poor diet. It is 
noticed by failing appetite, swollen and stiff joints and 
general restlessness. 

The swelling changes from one place to another. 
When it becomes chronic, it hardens the joints until the 
animal becomes helpless and must be killed. Pratts 
Food or Pratts Condition Powder are invaluable in this 
sickness, but the sheep must be well protected from the 



106 PRATTS POINTERS ON COfVS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

cold and damp, and have plenty dry straw for bedding. 
The other formula, which we speak of giving in our 
note on page 58, would be as follows : Two ounces of 
Epsom salts, two drachms of spirits of nitre, one-half 
drachm of fluid extract of ginger. Oatmeal gruel is very 
good along with the ordinary feed. Care must be taken 
of the flock, for if it once becomes chronic it is very hard 
to get rid of. Sulphate of potash and sulphuric acid, 
given in two-drachm and twenty-drop quantity respect- 
ively in one-fourth pint of water, is very good. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. 
This does not often occur, but when it does, it is 
generally caused by impure water or bad food. Again, 
it may come from sudden cold. The symptoms are red, 
watery eyes, bowels are inactive, breathing short and 
difficult, followed by fever and loss of appetite and flesh. 
We would advise large and liberal doses of Pratts Food 
or Pratts Condition Powder, to move the bowels freely, 
and then gradually decrease until the bowels become 
natural, and mix with the regular feed. We give the 
following, however, in accordance with note on page 58 : 
A dose of linseed oil, castor oil or Epsom salts to move 

the bowels, and then give the animal proper care and 

nourishment. 



PRATT S POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 107 

PINING. 
This is a blood disease caused by lack of nutrition. 
Sometimes it attacks very healthy flocks. It generally 
appears after long rains. The sheep become suddenly 
dull and lie down ; eyes water and heads are lowered ; 
the skin shrivels, the wool assumes a bluish color and 
death soon follows. This disease never appears in hilly 
pastures ; consequently, a change of locality is the 
proper relief. High, dry fields, with the pasturage short, 
brings quick recovery. The feeding of Pratts Food or 
Pratts Condition Powder, as a tonic to build up the 
animal, will produce surprising results. 



FOOT ROT. 

This is caused by exposure in low, wet pastures. 
There is generally weakness of the system ; and it is 
contagious. The sheep limps usually at first in one of 
its fore feet, and very soon all four become swollen until 
unable to walk. Blisters form and finally a deep sore, 
and unless cured the entire hoof drops off. The sick 
animal should be separated from the rest of the herd at 
once and all the sheep examined. All the diseased part 
of the hoof should be cut away and the foot washed with 
carbolic soap in warm water. After this they should be 
bound up — the bandage first dipped in a mixture of three 



108 PRATTS POINTERS ON COIVS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

ounces of pyroligenous acid to one and a half ounces 
water. Pratts Food or Pratts Condition Powder should 
be fed to improve the health of the sheep. 



APHTHA. 

This is known by blisters in the mouth and on the 
feet of the sheep. It is painful and difficult to cure. 
It is better, where one or two animals only are affected, to 
kill them and bury them in protection to the other sheep. 

Pratts Food or Pratts Condition Powder are reliable 
remedies for Aphtha fed in the usual doses, first, how- 
ever, giving a double dose to physic the animal. The 
mouth should be washed with an ounce of powdered 
alum and one ounce of tincture of myrrh in one quart 
of water. Wash the feet with warm soap-suds and bind 
up in carbolic ointment. As per our note on page 58, 
we mention the following : Give Epsom salts, and use in 
conjunction the above local application. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER 

Is very often due to the feeding of too much cornmeal. 
It is noted by the retention of the urine and fever. 
Pratts Food or Pratts Condition Powder regulate the 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 109 

kidneys and bladder and suppress all inflammation, and 
have proved successful in this disease. Feed per direction 
by mixing with the regular feed of the animal. However, 
as per our note on page 58, to give different recipes, we 
mention the following treatment : Bleeding from the 
neck and linseed oil in two-ounce doses until the animal 
shows improvement. 

SHEEP TICK. 

This can be treated in the same manner as the scab 
mite, by using Pratts Lice Killer as mentioned below. 



SCAB MITE. 

This is a very small insect and bores into the skin, 
causing burning sensations. The sheep become rest- 
less and scratch frequently and bite at their wool. The 
skin will be white and covered with a yellow liquid. 
The wool falls out. If a white cloth is thrown over the 
animal, they are apt to leave the sheep and crawl on the 
cloth. They increase very rapidly, and active measures 
should be taken at once to rid the animal of them. 

Pratts Lice Killer in either the powdered or liquid 
form will quickly destroy these insects. They should 
be applied about once a week. 



HO PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

SHEEP LICE 
Have a small, yellow body with dark brown stripes and 
a red head. They attack the neck and under the forelegs. 
Use either Pratts Liquid or Powdered Lice Killer ; 
both are the strongest and most effective lice-killing 
preparations that can be obtained. 

When sheep are kept in a good, healthy condition, 
they are generally free from all ailments, and also with 
the proper care, pasturage, etc., are free from insects of 
all kinds, and therefore, if Pratts Food or Pratts Con- 
dition Powder are fed constantly, and the liver, blood, 
bowels and kidneys kept in proper shape, you will ex- 
perience a general, healthy condition of the whole flock. 



POISON LAUREL. 
Poisoning from laurel will be noticed by dullness, 
frothing at the mouth and blood-shot eyes. Action 
must be taken at once by injecting soap-suds in the 
bowels and giving a three-ounce dose of Epsom salts in 
warm water to each sheep. Then drench the animal 
well with warm water until it vomits. Injections of 
soap-suds should also be made. During recovery, to 
bring back strength to the animal, there is nothing 
as advantageous as Pratts Food or Pratts Condition 
Powder. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 111 

WORMS 
To which sheep are subject, can be readily and per- 
manently cured by Pratts Specially Prepared Worm 
Powder. There is generally a wasting away of the 
system, severe cough and rapid and difficult breathing 
from lung worms, and finally strangling of the animal. 
Free use of salt and fumes of turpentine will be found 
beneficial. 

Bladder worms are very troublesome, and sheep 
dying from this disease should be buried and not eaten 
by dogs or other animals. If not cured in its early 
stages, it is not likely to be. It is generally supposed 
to be caused by diseased dog's manure. 



IvAMBS. 

Colic, diarrhoea, constipation, paralysis, water on 
the brain, and other ailments peculiar to lambs can be 
prevented, as well as cured, by the proper care of the 
ewe and the feeding of Pratts Food or Pratts Condition 
Powder. The same treatment in all cases for the 
lambs, when large enough to eat, can be applied the 
same as for sheep, only in a modified form. Even 
paralysis is due to neglect in the care of the ewe and in- 
digestion or depraved appetite caused by stomach 



112 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

troubles. Much might be said in reference to the differ- 
ent diseases of lambs, but intelligent reading of the 

diseases of sheep will enable the reader to comprehend 
the best method in handling any sheep disease that 
may occur in the flock. 




PART III. 



PRATTS POINTERS 

ON 

THE PIQ. 



PROFITABLE 
PIO- 

RAISING 



CHAPTER I. 

The man who raises pigs looks to their 
products as a return for the labor and 
money he expends ; his whole object be- 
ing to get, at the least cost, the greatest return of pork 
and lard from a certain quantity of food. In selecting the 
animals best suited to his purpose, he carefully considers 
the attention and food to be given them, as this is of the 
utmost importance in order to have the most successful 
results. Animals that grow quickly, mature early and 
fatten easily, are most desirable. 



"J 



114 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



NATURE A 

GOOD 
TEACHER 



A wise Providence bestows upon dumb 
animals a natural impulse which guides 
them, and serves in place of the sense to 
gain knowledge which man possesses. Cattle will eat 
and thrive on grass and hay, while the pig, when left to 
shift for itself, instinctively turns to acorns, roots, etc., 
proving that it requires a diet of less quantity and greater 
nourishment. This should be borne in mind when pro- 
viding its food. 



NECESSARY 
SURROUNDINGS 



Comfort and warmth is a great influence 
upon the growth and health of animals. 
The pig will accommodate itself to circumstances more 
readily than any other domestic animal, but it is to the 
farmer's advantage to provide dry, warm pens and a 
liberal supply of food. If they are fed scantily and 
irregularly, they soon show the effect of neglect, and grow 
slowly, mature late and give poor return for whatever 
time and trouble has been given them. 



I From every dwelling- there is a daily 
amount of refuse, which, if not speedily 



disposed of, will accumulate and become burdensome, 
impregnating the atmosphere with foul and unhealthy 
odors, and would otherwise be thrown away. Hogs are 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 116 

great eaters and find excellent food in the scraps from 
the family table, parings of fruit, vegetables and the 
slops from the kitchen. They are of value to the dairy- 
man ; and the farmer who feeds cattle with grains or oil 
cake, as he will be agreeably surprised to see how fat 
pigs will grow, when allowed to run in the barnyard and 
pick up the scattered leavings. This seems to decide 
that pigs are economical, useful and profitable on the 
farm if they are carefully selected and properly cared for. 



RAPID 
GROWTH 



Self-preservation is the first law of na- 
ture, and this applies undoubtedly to 
animal life ; therefore it is necessary to 
derive from daily food sufficient nourishment to sustain 
it, before flesh can be gained. If this is not done, life 
must depend upon matter already stored in the body. 
The pig, being better able to digest more food over and 
above the amount required to sustain life, gains more 
flesh in proportion to its size and amount of food eaten 
than any other stock. This affords a powerful argu- 
ment in favor of liberal feeding, unless circumstances 
make it more convenient for the farmer to keep a large 
number of pigs, and let them mature slowly. For this 
purpose animals of slow growth should be selected for 



116 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

breeding, and the pigs fed on a moderate and limited 
allowance daily until they fully mature, and then they 
can be fattened quickly when desired for market. 



PROPER CARE 
FOR EARLY 
MATURITY 



It is to the interest and profit of the 
owner to see that his stock are provided 
with comfortable quarters. Hogs kept 
warm and sheltered will fatten on less food, than when 
exposed in open pens to storm and cold. It is wonderful 
to notice the improved appearance of pigs which have, foi 
several generations, been kindly looked after and wisely 
managed. Each successive litter of pigs seems a better 
breed than the former ones, — the ears and snout more 
delicate, the legs shorter, the hair less coarse and the 
skin finer. It takes time to bring about this change, but 
the result is certain, when a steadfast system of liberal 
feeding and good care is maintained from year to year. 
Hogs, when neglected, will retrograde, becoming con- 
stantly less valuable, and transmitting to their young 
low habits and poor constitutions. 



The word breed, as we use it, means ' ' to 
nourish, to procreate, to originate. M 
Certain characteristics develop in each 
litter of pigs, and if the breeder of pigs is careful to 



DEFINITION 

OF 

BREED 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COIVS, SHEEP AND HOGS 117 



continue those conditions which influence them, they 
will become fully established and hereditary in each 
generation. The pig-raiser should be careful to choose 
a good stock to breed from, and then give them proper 
food and attention. Contrast the wild hog (which still 
exists in some parts of Europe) with the original old 
English pig, and you will surely be convinced that con- 




OL,D ENGLISH PIG. 

ditions control breed. It must be admitted that while 
the latter is not a creature of beauty, as compared with 
the domesticated pig of to-day, yet it is a favorable 
change from the long tusks, rough hair, and strong snout 
of the wild hog. It required many generations of proper 
feeding and careful selection to change the black color, 
wicked disposition and many unfavorable traits of the wild 



118 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

creature, into the more quiet and domestic English pig. 
The best results were gained by crossing English sows 
with boars imported from China, and then selecting for 
breeding the young animals with the best points. All 
this required time and patience, but at last a profitable 
breed was fully established, and by crossing and re- 
crossing many times, other valuable breeds have been 
obtained. 



It seems to be the aim of all the success- 
ful breeders to obtain a pig which is 
nearly of equal length, breadth and thick- 
ness, after having been properly fattened. To quote from 



THE MODEL 
PIG 




MODEI, PIG. 

a well-known work : " The head should be set close to 
the shoulders to give size to the cheek, which is counted 
among the choicest pieces of meat. The snout should 
be short, the ears small and well shaped, and it is a 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 119 

curious fact that some of the most experienced breeders 
judge the general quality of the animal from the ears : 
if thick and heavy and much drooped they indicate 
coarseness ; if soft and well formed, show pure breed ; 
if sharp and upright, a restless disposition not tending 
to fatten quickly." 

CHAPTER II. 

IMPROVEMENT OF DOMESTIC PIGS. 

The pig is not supposed to be a native 
American, but was probably brought by 
the early settlers from England. Natur- 
ally enough, they were anxious to derive all possible 
advantages in their agricultural pursuits, and as the dif- 
ferent breed of pigs were improved, they imported the 
best for breeding purposes on this side of the water. 
The breeders of pigs seem to have had a prejudice 
against the Chinese boar, imported to improve American 
stock, and while the pigs raised were of good quality, 
fair in weight when fattened, as they were not large, they 
were generally condemned. 



BREEDS IN 
AMERICA 



BERKSHIRE 



By far the best stock for breeding pur- 
poses, either in a direct and pure line or 
for cross, stands the Berkshire. This stock was brought 



120 PRATTS POINTERS ON COfVS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

into this country from England about 1832, was very 
favorably received, and soon became distributed in nearly 
every State. Through lack of good care and attention 
the stock began to retrograde. But this was not the 
fault of the pigs. They certainly could not be expected 







BERKSHIRE SOW. 



to thrive when they received no better care than the or- 
dinary common stock. The owners of thorough-breds 
could not get a paying price for them, and the pigs came 
to be looked upon with disfavor by the public, the gen- 
eral excuse being that they were " too small." Even 
now farmers consider "pure Berkshire" stock very 
doubtfully. 



SUFFOLK 



The success of this breed was so great 
that they are now probably the most gen- 
erally accepted pure breed in all but the Southern States. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 121 



IMPROVED 
ESSEX 



The Essex never became popular in the 
North for no other reason than that they 
were black in color. They are as pure- 
bred pigs as can be found anywhere, and it is unfortu- 
nate that they have never gained a place on the ordinary 
farm. 



LARGE 
YORKSHIRE 



The Large Yorkshire, popular in Eng- 
land, were imported to this country. 
Although importations still continue to 

be made of them, they have gained little place with 

either the breeders or farmers. 



SMALL 
YORKSHIRE 



This pig is classed by the average farmer 
as u fancy stock," and has therefore never 
become popular. At the time it was in- 
troduced, it caused much comment among breeders, 
owing to its almost perfect shape. It has been exhibited 
under various names, according to the fancy of the 
owner. (See illustration on front cover. ) 

Of late the breeding of pigs has been practiced with 
more care and skill. This is especially so in the United 
States, where the ' ' hog product ' ' ranks as one of the 
leading agricultural exports. The breeds mentioned 



122 PRATT S POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

above are only the English stock which are best known 
in this country. More profit is derived from these grades 
as breeders than as pork producers. The farmer who 
sees the advantage of using the thorough-bred boar with 
the common sow secures the best grade of pigs. When 
we consider the quantity of pork to be produced, as the 
main item, we have in this cross what might be styled 
the perfect pig. The young inherit the good form, early 
maturity and quick-fattening propensities of the thor- 
ough-bred boar, together with the strength, appetite 
and digestive powers of the larger and coarser sow. 



WHY IMPROV- 

ED BREEDS 

DEGENERATE 



In this day of competition, the farmer 
must carefully lay his foundation at the 
beginning, if he desires the improve- 
ments he places upon it to be permanent. It is just as 
easy, and vastly more profitable, to be careful in the 
management of the pigs as it is to be neglectful. New 
methods and implements are constantly being invented, 
and the advanced farmer works now with ease when 
compared with the drudgery of former days. 

Refined or highly bred pigs are less able to with- 
stand hardships, and they require more feeding and a 
greater amount of attention than the common pig. If 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 123 

pigs, and their mother before them, are furnished with 
an abundance of good food, the improved stock will be 
found to be not only superior, but much more profitable. 



OENUINE 

THOROUQH- 

BRED 



A frequent misunderstanding exists as to 
what constitutes a thorough-bred ; but 
still with a little thought this can be ex- 
plained. Pigs to be thorough-breds, must have father 
and mother both of one breed — both offsprings of thor- 
ough-breds. Different pure breeds united, although 
good blood, is not thorough-bred. Then again it is not 
sufficient, unless the stock is strong, healthy and able to 
transmit the same qualities and distinguishing traits to 
its young. Weak and sickly pigs, in successive litters, 
show that disease is in the line of descent. No matter 
how much the farmer may have paid for such animals, 
the parents may have escaped, and as it shows itself in 
the young, they are unfit for breeding and dangerous as 
food. Next to the selection of healthy stock, proper care 
and feeding is of the greatest importance. The pig is 
naturally a very clean animal, and would never sleep 
upon dirty straw if it could obtain clean. The pig is 
seen sometimes to wallow in dirty pools, but this is done 
to coo! the skin, and it is not the animal's fault if the 



124 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

only water it can find is a muddy pool. Young thorough- 
breds when kept in damp, dirty pens, and given inferior, 
scanty food, will not thrive. It will not only injure them, 
but the evil results will show in their young. There is 
no truer saying than that "like begets like," and while 
the tenderly-reared and well-fed animals will produce 
strong, lively pigs, with the same certainty the neglected, 
ill-treated sow, will give birth to little ones like herself, — 
half starved and sickly. Thorough-bred stock requires a 
great deal of attention. If the pigs are to be subjected to 
neglect and uncertain management, it would be better to 
keep only good common pigs. If by any chance pigs 
have suffered from neglect, Pratts Food,Pratts Condition 
Powder or Pratts Hog Cholera Cure are invaluable, and 
will assist in overcoming the effects very quickly. These 
three remedies are all excellent tonics and regulators, 
preventing as well as curing disease. 



CARE OP 
THE BOAR 



Abundant food is necessary to keep the 
young boar growing rapidly until he is at 
least a year old. He should be given 
all that he will eat ; and if he gets too fat, it is better to 
give poorer food, instead of lessening the quantity, as it 
would be cruel not to give an animal all that nature de- 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 125 

manded. In winter the boar should be fed morning 
and evening, boiled potatoes and coarse bran making 
excellent food for him. If allowed to run about the 
barnyard, he will obtain much additional food to suit his 
taste, besides the necessary amount of exercise. In sum- 
mer he will fare best if allowed to run at large in a clover 
pasture or be permitted to roam the fields. At eight or 
nine months old, if he has received suitable feed and care, 
a well-fed thorough-bred boar will be fully grown and 
ready for service. From the middle of October to the 
first of December, when most in demand, he should be 
given plenty of rich food. Bran, roots and clover keep 
him in good condition, but nothing is more necessary than 
regular feedings of Pratts Food, Pratts Condition Powder 
or Pratts Hog Cholera Cure. They develop him into a 
strong, sturdy animal, and in consequence make him all 
the more valuable for breeding purposes. 



THE 
THOROUGH- 
BRED SOW 



The sow should be treated in like manner 
as the boar until she is about nine months 
old. The farmer should exercise the same 
judgment in the care of his thorough-bred sow as he 
would over an ordinary. The milk of a sow is much 
richer than that of any other domestic animal, and it will 



126 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

tax the digestive powers to their fullest capacity to con- 
vert food into a sufficient supply to satisfy a litter of 
hungry, fast-growing pigs. Meanwhile the mother must 
sustain her own life and strength by the food she eats, 
and to do this the food must be liberal and nourishing. 
She should be kindly treated, carefully sheltered and 
given the regular quantity of Pratts Food, Pratts Condi- 
tion Powder or Pratts Hog Cholera Cure daily, which 
will help wonderfully, whether the stock be common or 
pure breed. 



PROPIT OP 

KEBPINO THOR- 

OUQH-BREDS 



Does it pay to keep thorough-breds ? If 
they are to be killed when young in 
order to obtain fresh pork, the answer to 
the question would be no. But if they are to be used for 
the purpose of improving American stock, then the 
answer would be quite different. The advantage derived 
from using the thorough-bred in this manner is admitted 
more and more each year. The public will accept meat 
only of the best quality, hence the demand for thorough- 
bred boars is on the increase, until now, in fact, it exceeds 
the supply. Farmers concede that " a thing worth doing 
at all is worth doing well" ; therefore, the raising of pigs 
from best animals, in the best manner, gives the great- 
est profit. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP ANT) HOGS 127 

CHAPTER III. 

THE MOST POPULAR BREEDS IN THE UNITED STATES. 



CHESHIRE OR 
JEFFER50N 
COUNTY PIG 



The Cheshire pig from England, crossed 
with the Yorkshire, originated one of the 
most popular breed of pigs in the United 
States, known as the Jefferson County pig, or as it is 
called in the West, the Cheshire. It is large in form and 
famous as a profitable pork producer. The breed was 
first exhibited and won a prize under the name of 
u Cheshire and Yorkshire;" afterwards, about 1868, as 
14 Improved Yorkshire," and has since continued to win 
many prizes wherever publicly shown. The finer blood 
of the Yorkshire has dominated, and instead of a coarse 
and clumsy-shaped pig, the breed is well proportioned 
and handsome in form. Having been kept pure and in 
a direct line for a long time, the same characteristics 
have developed, becoming fully established, and what 
was once a mixed breed has now become a distinct 
species. 



This breed is undoubtedly the most popu- 
lar in the United States. It derives its 
name from the county in Pennsylvania 
where the breed originated. This pig is nothing more 



CHESTER 
COUNTY 
WHITES 



128 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



than a high grade of common stock. Its best points are 
that it is large and vigorous, and the sows are especially 
valuable to cross with a high-class or thorough-bred boar, 
from which can be derived a mixed breed of the best 
quality. They are noted for their splendid digestive 




CHESTER WHITE. 

powers and as rapid growers. Chester County farmers 
may well be proud of this breed, and it is a great source 
of profit to them, as thousands of this stock are shipped 
annually to all parts of the country. 



From Ohio comes a pig well known to 
farmers and successful breeders. It is 
called by a number of names ; sometimes 
M Butler County," or " Gregory Creek," after the place 



MAG1E 
PIGS 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 129 

where it is thought to have originated, but more often 
"Magie," after a successful breeder. The Magie pig is 
a well-established breed. The best specimens of the 
common stock of the county are thought to have been 
crossed with a Poland, and their young with a Byefield. 
The offspring from these crosses were again crossed with 
the Berkshire, until, after almost a quarter of a century 
of judicious crossing, a breed was obtained with all the 
desirable qualities of a good farm hog. 




POLAND CHINA. 

There are many other breeds, like the 
Duroc, Jerseys, Victorias, etc., that are 
very valuable and popular in some sec- 
tions, but we have given descriptions of those of the 



POLAND 
CHINA 



130 PRATTS POINTERS ON COIVS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

most generally accepted in the largest portion of the 
United States. The last, but not least, to mention are 
the Poland Chinas. 

CHAPTER IV. 

PROPER BREEDING AND REARING. 

PEDIGREE ^ e ^ est * s a * wa y s ^ e cheapest in the 
I end. If the pigs are to be kept until 



fully developed, then it is important to consider the par- 
entage. The sows of the Chester White breed make 
the best mothers, and they are very good to cross with. 
It matters not whether the boar is an Essex, Suffolk, 
Berkshire or Yorkshire, so long as it is full thorough- 
bred stock. Of course, if it is the intention to kill the 
pigs when small, no especial breed need be considered, 
so long as it is healthy and in good condition. 



CARE OF 
THE SOW 



Pigs born early in the spring can be 
weaned in six weeks, and the mother, if 
she has been well treated and liberally 
fed, usually breeds again the same year. The farmer or 
breeder should be careful, when the sow is put in the 
house to farrow, to begin giving her the same kind of 
food as she will have when suckling. At this time a 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 131 

strict and constant use of Pratts Food, Pratts Condition 
Powder, or Pratts Hog Cholera Cure will be found to be 
very beneficial, both to the mother and her litter. The 
sow should be given a clean, dry pen, with a comfortable 
bed of fresh straw. Have the pen well ventilated, but 
no place where the wind can blow on the pigs. Do not 
get the erroneous idea into your head that the sow will 
get too fat ; the better the condition of the mother, the 
fatter and more active will be her young. Experience 
shows that a sow in excellent condition is sure to have a 
fine litter of pigs. During this period, when she is ex- 
pected to farrow, she should be given plenty of food and 
all the milk and slop she will drink. She will thus be 
better able to give an abundance of nourishing milk, and 
her young will thrive better, than if she were thin and 
half starved before their birth. All pigs need fresh 
water, and the sow must be given it daily, no matter how 
much liquid food she takes. If the farmer gives the sow 
this care and attention when she is about to farrow, he 
will have less trouble and fear of accident when she 
gives birth to her litter. The mother should be shown 
great attention while suckling. There is a great demand 
on her and she should be given liquid food, especially 
that which tends to produce rich and wholesome milk. 
Pratts Remedies can be used here with the best results. 



132 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

While pigs are very young, occasionally give the mother a 
cooked meal. Add usual amount of Pratts Food, Pratts 
Condition Powder or Pratts Hog Cholera Cure to three 
quarts of bran ; pour boiling water over it and stir con- 
stantly. After thoroughly scalded, allow it to stand for 
an hour and a half ; fill pail with cold water and feed. 



THE LITTLE 
PIGS 



When only two weeks old, pigs can be 
taught to eat from a little trough fast- 
ened to the floor so they will not upset it 
in their eagerness to obtain the food. The trough should 
be out of the reach of the sow, and a quart or two of 
sweet milk put in it each time. At first they waste more 
than they eat, but as they grow older will quickly find 
the bottom of the trough, which should be cleaned be- 
fore the next meal. When a month old, give a handful 
of oats or a little oat-meal each day. It requires great 
care not to overfeed them. Pratts Food, Pratts Condi- 
tion Powder or Pratts Hog Cholera Cure should be given 
them from the first ; it will be found a profitable invest- 
ment, both in the general growth and health of the pig. 



WEANING 



Pigs that have been taught to eat well 
may be weaned at six weeks, and should 
never be allowed to nurse more than three months. This 



FRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 133 

depends upon the season of the year and strength of the 
mother. Take the young away gradually, leaving the 
sick and weakly ones, if any, until the last. Kxtra at- 
tention will now have to be paid to the young, and they 
should be fed at least four times a day — the first thing 
in the morning and the last at night. 

Treated in this way, they do not miss their mother 
and thrive just as well without her. The most suitable 
food for them is warm milk, and either oat or corn-meal 
gruel. A corn-meal pudding is good, if properly stirred 
until all the lumps are out, and then mixed with a full 
measure of Pratts Food, Pratts Condition Powder or 
Pratts Hog Cholera Cure, and the pail filled up with milk. 
It should be carefully looked after that the young pigs 
are kept warm while being weaned, and for this purpose 
they should be put in a close-covered pen and given 
sufficient straw to bury themselves in. If their bedding 
is dry and changed often, they will cuddle together, and 
be as comfortable as when with their mother. To make 
young pigs grow and thrive, plenty of wholesome food 
and nice warm quarters must be provided for them. 
After the critical period of weaning, the management 
and proper care of pigs will be governed by circum- 
stances and the surroundings, according to each farmer's 
best judgment. 



184 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



AVERAGE 
WEIGHT 



Pigs coming from a sow of good stock, 
crossed with a thorough-bred boar, and 
raised under the above system of feeding 
and care, should average four hundred pounds, dressed 
weight, when a year and a half old. The following 
table gives the weight of the different parts of a pig : 

Carcass 178 lbs., 10.0 oz. 



Large intestines and contents 8 

Small " " " 4 

Intestinal fat 2 

Heart and aorta o 

Blood 7 

Lungs and windpipe 1 

Stomach and contents 2 

Caul fat 1 

Liver 3 

Gall bladder and contents o 

Bladder o 

Pancreas (sweetbread) o 

Milt or spleen o 

Tongue 1 

Toes o 

Miscellaneous trimmings and other parts o 

Total offal parts 35 

Loss by evaporation 1 



5-7 
8.0 

5-6 

9.6 

10. 1 

9-1 
10.0 

2-3 
4-5 
2.1 

2.5 

6.6 

4-7 
0.2 
2.9 

15.9 
4.6 
2.0 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COIVS, SHEEP AND HOGS 135 

CHAPTER V. 

MANAGEMENT OF PIGS. 

good CARE I ^ ou cannot expect to gain good results 
I unless you adopt a liberal and humane 
system of feeding, especially while the pigs are young 
and growing. A sow that has been half starved all her 
life cannot produce strong, healthy pigs. Some farmers 
keep their breeding sows in a state of semi-starvation, 
thinking that to be thin in flesh improves their breeding 
and suckling qualities. In this they make a mistake. 
The sow will grow thin, while the little pigs she nurses 
will get fat and thrive ; but this fact has nothing what- 
ever to do with her breeding and suckling qualities. 



CARE OF 

SOW AND 

PIGS 



After she has pigged, the sow should be 
generously fed upon warm slops and 
milk producing food (Pratts Food, Pratts 
Condition Powder or Pratts Hog Cholera Cure are all 
milk producers), that she may be able to give nourish- 
ment sufficient for her family. As soon as the little pigs 
are weaned and begin to eat, they do credit to this 
advanced and better method of improving stock. Blood 
will tell, and the characteristics of the thorough-bred 
boar will show very plainly when pigs thus attended to 
are fully grown. Profit is on the side of the thorough- 



136 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

bred boar. Pigs thus parentaged will sell at two months 
old for a good price, while the little common pig is now 
seldom marketable except as food ; and at a year old the 
improved pigs bring much better prices than ordinary 
stock. 



IMPROVEriENT 
OF STOCK 



To breed pigs profitably, at least one thor- 
ough-bred boar should be kept in every 
farming neighborhood. A large, thrifty 
sow and a thorough-bred boar will produce improved 
stock, which, with proper feeding and care, will reach a 
higher standard of excellence with every generation. 
Each successive litter of pigs will be finer and better if 
the sow is liberally fed before they are born. 



VALUE OP 

PIQS ON A 

FARM 



Pigs are of great assistance to the farmer 
in turning seeming refuse into a valuable 
product. They are kept for different 
reasons, according to the owner's occupation and locality. 
The dairyman finds in feeding pigs the most convenient 
and profitable way to dispose of his skimmed milk and 
whey. The pig will find plenty of good food in the 
slops and other refuse from the kitchen, and in picking 
up the grain which is scattered through the fields and 
around the barns, and what would practically be waste. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 137 



PIGS ON 

THE 

GRAIN FARM 



No matter how well fed on milk or in 
pasture, pigs grow faster which are given 
occasional rations of corn meal, or better 
still, corn pudding, made by pouring boiling water over 
dry meal, together with the usual amount of Pratts Food, 
Pratts Condition Powder or Pratts Hog Cholera Cure, 
the greatest pig growers known, and stirring until thor- 
oughly wet and free from lumps. A mixture of yellow 
corn meal and skimmed milk forms an excellent diet, as 
the corn is rich in oil and starch substances. 



PEAS AS 

FOOD FOR 

PIGS 



Farmers, particularly in the Western 
States, are learning the value of peas as 
food for hogs. L,arge crops are grown 
every year and can be planted early on land which is to 
be sown with winter wheat. The peas can be fed either 
green or dry ; but when the latter is desired, they should 
be soaked for twelve hours or cooked, as the farmer finds 
most convenient. The returns for such feeding are more 
solid pork and very rich manure. 



It is always a question with market 
gardeners, florists and seedsmen in the 
suburbs how to obtain a sufficient 
quantity of rich manure at small cost. The demand 



RAISING 

PIGS NEAR 

A CITY 



138 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

is great, and this necessarily keeps the price up. 
Sheep have been experimented with, but they needed 
clover hay, and therefore this method is known to be 
too expensive. The keeping of pigs meets the difficulty, 
and proves a most practical method of procuring rich 
manure at the lowest cost. The question of the best 
food for the most favorable results here presents itself. A 
table given elsewhere in this book shows the relative 
value of different foods in producing manure from pigs, 
and may be depended upon as correct. 



UPON WHAT 

THE VALUE OF 

MANURE 

DEPENDS 



CHAPTER VI. 

VALUE OF PIG MANURE. 

We have just been considering the value 
of pigs to the truck farmers and florists 
living in the suburbs of large cities. 
But others can also derive profit from this source. 
There seems little doubt that if well managed, this en- 
terprise might become a paying and growing business. 
It would be necessary to select pigs of rapid growth, 
that would mature early and be ready for market when 
fresh pork commanded a good price. In this way 
pork and lard could give a profit, and the best qual- 
ity of manure be obtained at less cost. Nothing is 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 139 

without a reason, and this seems to be the age in which 
the cause is given to explain the effect. The degree of 
richness in the manure of different domestic animals 
depends entirely upon the food they eat. Feed a pig 
and a sheep on clover, and the value of the manure will 
be equal . Feed one on straw and the other on clover, 
and the manure of the latter will be much richer. 
Pigs are given more nutritious food, and that containing 
less indigestible matter, and therefore, although less in 
quantity, their manure is richer in quality than that of 
other animals of the farm-yard. 



PROFIT IN 

FATTENING 

PIGS 



Counting the yield of manure in fatten- 
ing pigs, no farm stock pays so well. 
An actual estimate is shown in the fol- 
lowing table of the exact value of pig manure : 

Value of manure in producing ioo lbs. pork from peas 13-54 

clover ..... 4.80 
Indian corn . . 1.76 
skimmed milk. 5.02 

Average value from pigs fed the above four articles 3.78 

With the right sort of management, the pig will not 
only convert food into manure, but also change other 
refuse into the same valuable material. A small yard 
attached to the pen is now considered an economy, and 



140 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

into this can be thrown grass clippings, weeds, vegeta- 
ble tops, vines, leaves, ashes and other disfiguring rub- 
bish about the premises. It is the nature of the pig to 
root, and it will turn this over and over, mixing it with 
manure, until it becomes a rich compost, suitable to be 
used in enriching the soil and containing those elements 
important to plant life and growth. 



CHAPTER VII. 

THE MODEL PEN. 



LOCATION 



A neglected, abused pig is cross and 
1 stubborn, but among all domestic ani- 
mals, not one is more easily managed, if well treated. 
Always keep the pen clean and dry. To wallow in dirt 
and filth is not considered any more a pig's proper con- 
dition. The pen should be built on ground sloping to- 
ward the barnyard, in order that the liquid, which is 
the most valuable part of the manure, need not be 
wasted. If it is not possible to secure these advantages 
by natural formation of the land, the high foundations 
should be built for the pens, with drainage into a basin 
or vault provided for the liquid. The straw used in bed- 
ding for pigs makes a valuable addition to the manure 
heap. 



PR/tTTS TOJNTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 141 

~. .wv... ~ I The best floor is beaten earth, because 
FLOORINQ ' 

I when once firm and solid it needs no re- 



pairs. The pigs, however, should be given dry, fresh 
earth, ashes and occasionally a little charcoal to prevent 
their rooting up the floor, as nature inclines them to do. 
Pigs thrive better on a floor made of planks than upon a 
stone floor, although the latter is kept clean easier and 
lasts longer. Clean pens daily. 



ODOR FROM 
PENS 



The smell of pigs kept near a house is 
objectionable, but with proper care this 
can be avoided. If the pens are at a 
great distance, the labor of feeding and caring for them 
is much increased.. If the pens are conveniently built, it 
requires less time for the farmer to attend to his duties 
around them. A pig should be thoroughly washed once 
a week, and sprinkled with Pratts Liquid Lice Killer, the 
greatest of all disinfectants. The yard and pen should 
be scattered with dry earth, all straw used as bedding 
removed frequently, and a fresh supply provided. 
When this course is strictly followed, the smell will 
be quickly removed, and it must be granted that the pig 
gives generous return for the trouble of caring for it in 
the best manner. Some farmers carry on their busi- 
ness in all other directions with judgment, but seem to 



142 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

think that anything is good enough for the pigs. When 
kept in damp, dirty pens, wretchedly fed, and exposed 
to cold without comfortable shelter, they somehow 
manage to yield a profit ; but how much greater, if well 
managed, liberally fed and kindly treated ! 



NECESSITY 
OF WATER 



Much water is needed to wash out the 
troughs and clean the pens, and nothing 
is a greater convenience than a good 
pump in the yard. From a trough under it, the pigs 
can drink as often and as much as they please. The 
wise farmer will remember that fresh water is a demand 
of animal nature, which liquid food does not supply. 



PEN FOR THE 
BREEDING SOW 



Pigs born in the winter or early in the 
spring often die from exposure, if left in 
an open pen. For a breeding sow, the pen 
should be divided by a partition, with a sliding door, 
into two parts ; one for eating, the other for sleeping. 
A warm room with a closed door affords protection for 
the little pigs, and makes the mother more comfortable. 
During extremely cold weather, a sow that has been 
kindly treated will permit a blanket to be put over her 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 143 

young, as if she understood their danger from exposure. 
Our illustration shows a small pen. It can be increased 
to any size. 



fil/Af ft'rre* r 



S'9AW\ 

Bra • 



L sm 



SMAI,L TIG PEN. 

Fresh air is necessary in the sleeping apartment of 
the pigs, and while the sides should be boarded up tight, 
a single board may be hinged between the two parts 
of the pen. This can be opened partway to admit air, 
or in warm weather raised and fastened up wholly. Dur- 
ing severe storms it can be closed, and afford perfect 
protection from wind or snow. These pens can be built 
with very little expense, are easy to keep clean, and the 
straw used for bedding can be quickly removed, and a 
new supply put in. 



AN UP-TO-DATE 
PIGGERY 



In these days the well-being of animals 
is carefully considered. The best sys- 
tems of feeding, shelter and care are 
generally adopted by the farmer who wishes to be suc- 
cessful in his business. Keeping pigs in large numbers 
in the same building is now considered unhealthy. 
They do not grow quickly or fatten readily in close and 



144 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

oppressive atmosphere. Many diseases to which pigs 
are subject are contagious, and when sheltered under 
one roof, if a single animal is attacked, all the herd is 
likely to suffer from it. The modern system of using 
separate pens gives no opportunity for crowding or 
interfering with each other. The comfort of the animals 
is secured, and much time and labor saved for the per- 
sons who feed and manage them. Bach pen has a small 
yard, and the general arrangement includes the great 
advantage of convenience and cleanliness. It is quite 
as well suited for one pig, and can be enlarged to 
accommodate any number, without disturbing the pens 
already built. Bach pen is separate, and yet with easy 
communication between them. Alterations can be made 
quickly at any time and with little expense. The ease 
with which vegetables, roots, weeds, etc., can be received, 
and also the convenient method of loading from each 
pen into the cart as it passes along a drive between the 
pens, are points certainly in its favor when compared 
with other methods. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 145 



TROUGH 



CHAPTER VIII. 

CONVENIENCES. 

Of course the size of the trough depends 
on the number of pigs. The old-fash- 
ioned trough, or the original trough, is still the best for 
out-door feeding. It is made by hollowing out a log 
with an axe or adze. It is used upon a great many 
prosperous farms in different parts of the country. 

Another simple and cheap trough is made from two- 
inch pine or hemlock planks. Pigs need two troughs, 
one for food and one for water ; but if this is not conve- 
nient, the one trough can be partitioned. The log trough 
has the advantage of the two, as it cannot be upset. 

A great many farmers think that a trough with 






-# 



./)•»> m 




SWINGING DOOR TROUGH. 

swinging door is the best. This door, or cover, extends 
the entire length of the trough, and the pigs can only 
eat when this is open. 



146 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

Triangular pieces of wood can be placed on the 
door, in order to separate the pigs while eating from the 
trough. 




separating trough. 



The inventor has not forgotten the pig trough, but 
has presented many different styles in cast iron. They 




KQUAI^-SHARING TROUGH. 

are sold at stores devoted to farm implements, but so 
far are not in general use among farmers. They vary 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 147 

in price and also in weight, some of them being exceed- 
ingly heavy. 

There is an excellent trough which is well known 
to farmers ; but it has one objection, and that is, it must 
be cleaned from the inside of the trough. The trough 
is built between the upright posts of the pen and projects 
through the boarded side. The milk and other food 
can be poured into it with very little trouble. If several 
pigs eat from it, it may be divided in sections, so that all 
may get an equal share. 



COVERED TUB 

FOR 

GARBAGE 



We have discussed to some extent the 
food for the pigs, and the manure and 
place to feed them. Now we should 
look and see how we should keep some of this food. 
The old-time swill barrel is rapidly going into decline. 
The tub we are about to speak of is the implement 
which has taken its place, and is used by a great many 
farmers. 

It is made especially for this purpose. It is con- 
structed of pine planks two and a half inches thick, and 
its size must, of course, depend upon the number of pigs 
kept. A convenient measurement, however, is five feet 
in length by two and a half feet in width, and the same 



148 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 



in height. It has a tight-fitting cover, hinged in the 
middle, so that one half can be open while the other 
remains closed. It is not necessary to state that carry- 
ing in pails to the pig pen all the dish-water, milk and 
refuse from the family table is hard work. This labor 




GARBAGE TUB. 

is now avoided in the closely covered barrel on wheels 
which, when not in use, can be kept at a distance from 
the back door. After each meal, if necessary, it may be 
trundled up, filled and wheeled to the receiving tub 
(before described), which is kept near the pens. When 
emptied, it should be thoroughly rinsed with cold water. 
If a little corn-meal is occasionally mixed with this 
waste and allowed to stand a few hours before feeding, 
it adds much to its benefit as a diet for pigs. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COIVS, SHEEP AND HOGS 140 

CHAPTER IX. 
DISEASES OF HOGS. 

Before reading our suggestions in regard to diseases 
of hogs, read carefully the note on page 58. 
PREVENTION OF DISEASES. 

With the human race a patient can tell where and 
how he suffers, but the sickness of a dumb animal must 
be wholly determined and treated from symptoms. The 
best means to prevent sickness among hogs is to give 
them pure air, clean, dry pens, and plenty of good food. 
So many pig diseases are contagious that a sick animal 
should at once be removed from the herd, and put in a 
distant and separate pen. To prevent spreading of dis- 
ease, troughs should be scalded, and Pratts Liquid Lice 
Killer sprinkled as a disinfectant about the premises, as 
soon as the sickness appears. Dry earth must be scat- 
tered through the pens and yards. When pigs have 
good care, and are regularly given Pratts Food, Pratts 
Condition Powder or Pratts Hog Cholera Cure, there is 
practically no sickness among them. 

HOG CHOLERA. 
There has been much time spent in studying the 
cause of this disease. A few of the forms of hog 



ISO PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

cholera, however, may be mentioned. Hog cholera, as 
a rule, occurs from one of the following causes : Un- 
wholesome food ; hogs occupying one field or pen 
from year to year without proper cleaning or plow- 
ing the field occasionally, so as to keep it fresh and 
clean; hogs being constantly "rung" and prevent- 
ing them from rooting in search of bugs, worms or 
vegetable roots ; scanty feeding ; muddy, stagnant and 
filthy water, which often compels them to drink their 
own urine ; wet lands ; decaying vegetables during dry 
seasons. One sick hog may affect the whole drove, and 
as each succeeding hog gets the disease, it seems to be a 
more severe case than the previous one, and becomes 
more and more contagious. Constant feeding of dry 
corn produces an inflammatory condition of the system, 
which invites an attack of fevers and cholera. This is the 
reason why sometimes apparently the most healthy and 
the heartiest hogs are taken with it. Then again, too 
scant a quantity of corn is a disadvantage. The proper 
feeding of the hogs should be looked after carefully, and 
one kind of diet should not be given in excess or in too 
small a quantity, either. After the disease once starts, 
it spreads very rapidly. An affected hog should at once 
be removed from the rest of the herd. Suggestions to 
prevent hog cholera and other disease, can be found in 






PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 151 

the paragraph heading this chapter. On account of the 
seriousness of this disease, we do not feel justified in 
giving a number of the " so-called sure cures " that have 
come to our notice, as we have been very careful that 
all of which we have submitted to our readers in this 
work should be information of which we are certain, from 
actual experience of competent authorities. We know 
that a positive preventive of and cure for hog cholera is 
the regular use of Pratts Hog Cholera Cure, a remedy 
specially prepared for this dreaded disease and will posi- 
tively do the work if given as directed. Pratts Food is 
also an old standby as a preventive and cure of hog 
Cholera. 

Much more could be said on the subject, but there 
is nothing that we could say that would add to the fore- 
going information and that would be of any advantage 
to the hog-raiser ; and in writing this book, we have 
endeavored to give all the information we possibly could 
in as few words as possible. We find, as a rule, there is a 
great objection in requiring the reader to plod through a 
large amount of unnecessary matter to obtain a small 
amount of information, which is so common with many 
authors. Therefore, we have endeavored to arrange our 
book to obviate this objection, and have endeavored to 
write the book in plain, practical common-sense form. 



152 PR/4TTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 
MALIGNANT TYPHUS FORM. 

This is a form of hog cholera that will be attended 
by the following symptoms : Dull, weak appearance ; 
refusing food ; unsteady walk ; lying down a great deal ; 
rolling in the bedding; the animal shows a desire to 
bury its head, or even the whole body ; shivering fits, 
succeeded by high fever ; breathing quick ; bowels con- 
stipated or hard, dark colored-lumps. The animal tries 
to vomit; in from ten to twenty-four hours the symptoms 
become much worse. Spots appear on the inside of the 
legs or on the lower part of the abdomen, and on the 
breast and neck. A swelling follows, crimson in color 
at first, afterwards a purple ; and if the hog dies, it turns 
to a bluish-black color. The fever increases ; the mucous 
membrane presents a lead-color appearance ; the breath- 
ing becomes labored ; the temperature, at first very high, 
now gradually diminishes ; hind quarters become para- 
lyzed ; convulsions commence, and the animal dies in 
from six to twelve hours — which will be about two 
or three days after the commencement of the disease. 
If the spots are few and do not run together, and the 
fever not very great, and the other symptoms become 
less marked about the second day, there is a chance of 
recovery. Partial paralysis may remain, with loss of 
appetite, so that it is difficult to get the animal to eat 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS y SHEEP AND HOGS 153 

enough. Even after recovering, care must be taken so 
that the digestion is not affected, and thereby prevent 
the hog from fattening. By making a gruel of Pratts 
Hog Cholera Cure or Pratts Food and giving frequent 
doses, we have found in all cases where the proper care is 
observed that a cure is certain. Pratts Remedies have 
been known to cure where all other treatment has failed. 
As per our note on page 58, we submit the following : 
Give from five to twenty grains of white hellebore in a 
little milk. If the hog will not drink, make into a pill 
by mixing with flour and water. In twenty minutes the 
hog should vomit freely. If not, repeat the dose. Af- 
ter it has vomited, give the following : One-half ounce 
Hyposulphite of Soda; ten drops Solution Carbolic Acid; 
five drops Tincture of Aconite. Mix well, and add 
enough molasses to make a soft mass, and place well back 
in the throat ; or, if the hog will eat, give it in milk. 

This treatment should be commenced in the early 
stages of the disease and it is well to repeat it three 
times daily, or even every two hours. Injections of warm 
soap-suds into the bowels, to which half an ounce of 
turpentine and ten drops of carbolic acid have been 
added, may be made twice each day, and will help the 
disease considerably. The .sores should be opened and 
bathed in warm water containing half a fluid ounce 



154 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

carbolic acid solution to each pint of water. In very 
severe cases we have known muriate of ammonia, in 
half drachm doses in a little molasses, to be used. 



PUTRID SORE THROAT FORM. 

This is a very frequent form of hog cholera that 
affects the throat, larynx and air passages, principally 
the larynx. It at times affects the cavity of the chest 
and causes congestion of the lungs. The breathing is 
hard and of a wheezing character. There will be a 
hacking cough, hoarse grunting ; a great heat and dry- 
ness of the snout ; swelling of the tongue ; brown-red 
color of the mucous membrane of the mouth. Difficulty 
in swallowing, with attempts to vomit. The larynx 
and along the windpipe, even down between the fore- 
legs, will appear a hot, hard swelling, crimson in color 
at first, probably changing to a lead color, and finally 
dark purple. The animal either tries to lie down or sits 
upon its haunches like a dog. Finally, the breathing 
becomes so hard, he opens his mouth, the swollen tongue 
will hangf out. The mouth becomes lead color. At this 
stage of the disease, the hog either dies by choking or 
gangrene sets in. 

Of course, in this form of the disease, as well as 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 155 

others, we strongly recommend Pratts Hog Cholera Cure 
or Pratts Food, having been successful in effecting a cure 
in almost every instance by giving small doses frequently, 
making a gruel by mixing with warm water and pouring 
down the throat. At the same time, we mention another 
treatment, as per note on page 58 : 

Ten to twenty grains of white hellebore, to make 
the hog vomit ; and repeat it in twenty minutes if it does 
not have the desired effect. Then give the following 
three times daily : One-half ounce Hyposulphite of Soda ; 
one-half drachm Muriate of Ammonia. Mix with mo- 
lasses to make a mass, and place on the tongue. 

Five drops of tincture of aconite, dropped on the 
tongue in the early stages, will be of considerable assist- 
ance ; and, in addition, give the following every hour, 
or in severe cases every half hour, in tablespoonful doses : 
Three ounces Chlorate of Potassa ; one-half fluid ounce 
Solution of Carbolic Acid. One quart of water. Mix 
well. 

As the hog gets better, lengthen the time between 
doses. 

INFLAMMATION OF THK BOWELS FORM. 

This is confined to the bowels and urinary organs, 
either in all at one time or separately. The bowels are 



158 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

costive, and streaked with mucus, and may be discolored. 
In the fatal stages, diarrhoea may succeed, this occurring 
just before the animal dies. The first symptoms are a 
short, hacking cough, some difficulty in breathing ; un- 
steady walk ; high fever ; the animal will arch its back 
and paralysis will result. 

For treatment of this form we recommend, as the 
only necessary remedy, Pratts Hog Cholera Cure or 
Pratts Food in gruel form (as mentioned on another 
page), in case the animal is too sick to eat ; if not, mix 
with the food, and between feeds give in gruel form. 
Injections of warm soap-suds, to which add half an ounce 
of solution of carbolic acid, can be given. Another re- 
cipe, given as per our note on page 58, is calomel, as a 
cathartic, in doses of one scruple every six hours until 
the bowels are moved. Also, five drops of tincture of 
aconite on the tongue in early stages. After the calomel 
has been effective, give the following three times daily, 
using- the aconite between the doses : One-half ounce 
Hyposulphite of Soda ; one scruple Chlorate of Potassa. 
Mix with molasses to make a mass. 



QUINSY. 
This is termed by some as another form of hog 
cholera ; and sometimes assumes an epidemic form 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 157 

similar to distemper in young horses, and is fatal to a 
large number of young pigs, as well as older hogs. In 
this fatal form it is termed hog cholera, but differs from 
it in not being so malignant. The symptoms are the 
swelling of the glands under the jaw ; oppressed breath- 
ing ; difficulty in swallowing. In the latter stages the 
neck is badly swollen, the tongue protrudes and death 
is caused by choking. The swelling sometimes takes a 
gangrenous form. It is caused by exposure to sudden 
changes of temperature ; or by bad food, impure water 
or filthy enclosures ; and mortification at times sets in, 
which may cause death in a few hours. Hogs piling up 
around an old hayrick on cold nights will often be the 
cause. The ones underneath become so warm that 
when routed out in the morning, the cold air striking 
them, the sudden change will produce inflammation of the 
lungs, quinsy, diphtheria, which, in a fatal form, become 
nothing more or less than hog cholera. Young pigs 
often get quinsy. They should be kept warm, clean 
and in well-ventilated pens ; plenty of straw, and mess 
of gruel three times a day, in which stir the usual 
quantity of Pratts Food or Pratts Hog Cholera Cure. If 
the bowels are constipated, this is all that is necessary, 
given in gruel form if too sick to eat ; otherwise, mixed 
with the food in large doses to move the bowels freely. 



168 PRATTS POINTERS ON COIVS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

It may be well at first to give in gruel form, so as to 
move the bowels quickly. An ounce of castor oil to 
each pig can be added. In bad cases, to grease the 
throat well with equal parts of cod-liver oil and turpen- 
tine is good, no matter what remedy you use otherwise. 
Also, a deep cut into the tumor, from two to four inches 
long, and deep enough to reach the seat of the disease, 
will relieve it The diet should be a thin gruel, in 
which a teaspoonful of turpentine can be stirred. 

Another recipe, given as per our note on page 58, is : 
Four grains of Tartar Emetic ; six grains of Ipecacuanha; 
six grains of White Hellebore. Mix together for older 
hogs, and half this dose for young pigs. 

Three or four drops of tincture of aconite, when 
dropped on the tongue every two hours, is said to be 
very excellent. However, in this disease, as in all 
others, we have been most successful in the use of Pratts 
Food or Pratts Hog Cholera Cure alone. 



DIPHTHERIA. 



This happens more frequently than most people 
suppose, and is a contagious disease, taking an epidemic 
form ; sometimes called a form of hog cholera. It 
attacks both young pigs and old hogs. It is produced 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COIVS, SHEEP AND HOGS 169 

by filthy pens or wet pastures. The symptoms are 
sudden sickness, dull appearance, loss of appetite, weak- 
ness, feverishness, stiffness of back and loins, crouching 
walk with head raised, mouth dry and open, hoarse 
grunt, livid tongue and difficult breathing. The throat 
is red and swollen and covered with grayish-white 
patches, extending to the air passages. Pieces of false 
membrane are coughed up. The animal lies down, or 
sits on its haunches, or leans against a fence while 
coughing, and generally dies during the coughing 
spells. 

We state, as mentioned before, that Pratts Food or 
Pratts Hog Cholera Cure, used as directed, have been 
most successful. Adopt the gruel form mentioned in 
previous diseases, and afterwards mix with the feed. 
According to note on page 58, we mention the follow- 
ing : Give each hog a spoonful of potash in a small 
quantity of milk. Move the sick hogs to dry quarters, 
and give each hog daily the following : Two drachms 
Sulphite of Soda ; one drachm powdered Castor Bean ; 
five drops Solution of Carbolic Acid. 

To those who eat, it can be given with the swill. 
For the others, it can be mixed with molasses and 
smeared on the back of the tongue. Make a small swab 
of sheep-skin, and swab throat out twice daily with 



160 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

following : One ounce Chlorate of Potassa ; two fluid 
drachms Solution of Carbolic Acid. In one quart water, 
well mixed. 

Flour of sulphur, sprinkled in the throat, is good. 
Warm, sloppy food should be given, to which may be 
added chlorate of potash in teaspoon ful doses. 



CONSTIPATION. 
Do not allow the pigs at any time to become con- 
stipated. A feverish condition arises from it, developing 
into some inflammatory disorder. The food should be 
changed, from time to time, green food being the best. 
Many people resort to Epsom salts ; but the after effect 
is to constipate them more than ever ; the best thing 
known to regulate the bowels is Pratts Food or Pratts 
Hog Cholera Cure, mixed with the regular food. 



SCOURS IN PIGS. 
This may attack one or two out of a litter, or a 
whole litter when one or two days old. It is caused by 
indigestion, from what the sow has eaten, or by the 
method of feeding her. Too much green clover or other 
green food will do it, or dry corn, or musty, decayed food. 
This affects pigs, but the sow is not disturbed by it. By 
feeding Pratts Food or Pratts Hog Cholera Cure, this 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 161 

will not occur, and it rapidly improves their condition. 
However, as per our note on page 58, we mention the 
following remedy : A teaspoonful of sulphur to the sow, 
in a little milk twice a day. If the pigs seem to suffer 
too much, give twice daily, with a teaspoon, two or three 
drops of laudanum in sweet cream. Change the mother's 
food, and see that it is of good quality. Keep the pigs 
warm and closely penned. Do not allow them to run 
or exercise themselves more than can be helped. Keep 
pen clean and scald out trough with boiling water and 
lye, and disinfect with Pratts Liquid Lice Killer. With 
proper care, the disease will disappear. If the pigs are 
old enough to eat, a few drops of solution of carbolic 
acid added to their food will be a good thing. 



CATARRH. 

This develops slowly and is not noticed at first. It 
inflames the mucous membrane of the nose passages. It 
is supposed to be hereditary. The appetite fails, the 
animal becomes poor and has a fever. It is a disease 
which is not often seen ; is of a scrofulous nature, often 
terminating in consumption. The animal should be 
kept dry, and given milk, boiled food, oat meal gruel, 
boiled barley, mashed fruit, cabbage, etc. ; food which 
does not require chewing is what it wants. If the bow- 



162 PRATTS POINTERS ON COIVS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

els are constipated, first give Pratts Food or Pratts Hog 
Cholera Cure in gruel form. We mention as per our 
note on page 58, as follows : Half an ounce of Glauber 
salts and a drachm of saltpetre mixed with honey, 
smeared well back on the tongue. Give three times 
daily, every other week, the following : One-half 
drachm of Sal-Ammoniac ; eight grains of Camphor. 
Mix with a little molasses and smear on the tongue. 



COUGH. 
This is a local irritation and by many claimed again 
as a form of hog cholera. It is caused by an obstruction 
of the lungs. Pratts Food or Pratts Hog Cholera Cure, 
fed first in gruel form if the animal is costive, is a sure 
remedy ; the throat and lungs should be rubbed with 
Pratts Veterinary L,iniment and the animal kept well 
blanketed ; but we mention another remedy, as per our 
note on page 58 : Powdered castor bean, in two or three 
drachm doses ; mixed with molasses and smeared on the 
back of the tongue. 



INFLAMMATION OF THF, LUNGS. 

This is caused by sudden changes, exposure to 
storms, piling of hogs during cold nights. The hog will 
take shivering fits ; is dumpish and drawn up in a heap ; 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 163 

loses its appetite, with short breathing. The disease is 
generally accompanied with a cough that is deep and 
hoarse ; also constipation. 

Pratts Food or Pratts Hog Cholera Cure should be 
given first in double quantity in gruel form ; then reduced 
to the regular amount ; the throat and lungs rubbed 
with Pratts Veterinary Imminent. In all swine diseases 
the sick hogs should be separated from the rest of the 
herd. The diet should be warm gruel, water slops, sour 
milk, etc. An injection of warm soap-suds can be given. 
As per our note on page 58, we mention the following : 
A half to two drachms of saltpetre, and one to three 
ounces of Glauber salts, according to the size of the ani- 
mal. After six hours, throw a powder of the following 
on the tongue three times a day : Twelve grains Tartar 
Emetic ; twelve grains powdered Opium ; one and one- 
half ounces Saltpetre. Mix, and divide into eight 
powders. 

INTESTINAL WORMS. 
These are noticed by the hog being unthrifty and 
having a big appetite. They cough, the bowels are 
loose, and they start from their sleep with a sharp cry 
and often scream before feeding- time, as if starved. 
Vomiting and choking fits occur from the worms get- 



164 TRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

ting in the throat. Pratts Specially Prepared Worm 
Powder, mixed with their regular feed, will cure them. 
As per note on page 58 we mention : Two drachms of 
oil of turpentine in milk for six mornings in succession, 
followed by a purgative of one scruple of calomel to 
each hog, is said to be a good remedy ; but the only 
treatment necessary in this, as in other diseases, is the 
proper administration of Pratts Specially Prepared Worm 
Powder. 

KIDNEY WORMS. 

It sometimes produces paralysis of the hind quarters. 
It is seldom fatal, and generally affects more than one 
hog in a herd. Pratts Specially Prepared Worm Pow- 
der, mixed with the regular feed, will prevent or cure 
kidney worms. As per our note on page 58, we mention 
another remedy, as follows : A solution of arsenic in 
half-teaspoonful doses morning and evening, every other 
w 7 eek for several months. Rub the loins with spirits of 
turpentine every other day. 



PARALYSIS OF THE HIND QUARTERS. 

This is sometimes caused by worms in the kidneys. 
The animals show a weakness in the back, and often get 
up and run in a straight line quite fast, swinging to one 
side for a while and then go over to the other side ; finally 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COIVS, SHEEP AND HOGS 165 

get so bad that they fall over and can only drag them- 
selves about. The appetite is good until a few days 
before they die. Apply over the loins a liniment com- 
posed of one part of cantharides, two parts of olive oil 
and two parts of oil of turpentine. Pratts Food or Pratts 
Hog Cholera Cure at first should be fed in gruel form ; 
reduce as the animal recovers. In accordance with our 
note on page 58, we give the following : Three drachms 
of powdered castor oil seeds, and eight ounces of rye 
flour ; mixed in a quart of sour milk or thin gruel. Give 
this first thing in the morning ; and repeat once a week. 
The following may be given two or three times a day : 
Four grains of powdered Nux Vomica, one-half drachm 
of powdered Anise Seed ; one-half drachm of powdered 
Ginger. Mix with a little molasses and smear well back 
on the tongue. 



BLIND STAGGERS. 
Generally noticed by inflamed eyes. Bowels are con- 
stipated, and pulse hard and quick. The animal runs 
about wildly, mostly in a circle ; the breathing is labored, 
and the animal frequently dies in a fit of this kind. It is 
often caused by indigestion ; feeding dry corn to young 
pigs when they should have a sloppy diet. Frequently, 
costiveness attends the other symptoms. Pratts Food or 



166 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND COWS 

Pratts Hog Cholera Cure should be given in gruel form 
in large doses, gradually reducing as the animal becomes 
better. Warm soap suds can be injected in the bowels to 
get a quick action. Cold water should be thrown over 
the head, and turpentine or kerosene oil rubbed in well 
along the spine. Pratts Food or Pratts Hog Cholera Cure 
are invaluable remedies for blind staggers, and where pigs 
are fed constantly, it is never known to occur. 



PROTRUSION OF BOWELS IN PIGS. 

This trouble is often caused by diarrhoea and weak- 
ness. Wash the parts well with water ; then apply 
sugar of lead and water — a drachm of the lead to a pint 
of water, to which add a small quantity of laudanum ; 
then gently press the part back, pushing up the finger 
a short distance. Three to five drops of laudanum may be 
given to each suckling pig to alleviate the pain. Pratts 
Food or Pratts Hog Cholera Cure, fed in the regular 
feed, strengthens these parts and effects a permanent cure. 

PILES 
Are known by blood passing off with the movement of 
the bowels, or blood stains around the anus. The dis- 
ease is generally considered hard to cure. We would 
advise a change of food, such as sour milk, and especially 
light, digestible things for a hog in this condition. In- 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 167 

jections of vinegar and water are good. Pratts Food or 
Pratts Hog Cholera Cure, fed regularly, will cure them. 
Our note mentions, on page 58, we would give other 
endorsed recipes, so we mention: Sulphur, with cream of 
tartar, or castor oil in moderate doses. If the anus is 
swollen, apply vaseline or cosmoline. 



RHEUMATISM. 

This is shown by stiffness in the animal. Pratts 
Food or Pratts Hog Cholera Cure are invaluable, but, as 
per our note on page 58, we give the following : To move 
the bowels, three drachms of pulverized castor bean, to 
which may be added ten grains of opium, to relieve the 
pain ; mixed with molasses into a mass, and smeared on 
the back of the tongue. Then give the following : One 
scruple Colchicum ; one tablespoonful Bicarbonate Soda. 
Mix with molasses into a mass, and smear on back of 
tongue night and morning. 

APOPLEXY. 
This is practically a fat hog disease. They are dump- 
ish, out of sorts, and drop as if shot, and appear dead, all 
except heavy breathing. The hog should be bled at once. 
Tie a cord around the fore leg above the foot ; then the 
artery can be seen to fill above the knee on the inside of 
the leg. Open it with a sharp knife, and a pint to a quart 



168 PRATTS POINTERS ON COIVS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

of blood should be taken. If the hog comes to, as soon as 
possible move the bowels by injection, and give large 
doses of Pratts Food or Pratts Hog Cholera Cure in gruel 
form. Then feed light food for some days. 



SCROFULA. 
This is shown by weak joints in young pigs in walk- 
ing. Ulcerations often appear near the joints. They 
frequently have diarrhoea, and the urine dribbles through 
the navel string. In older pigs it takes the form of 
consumption, and the lungs become diseased. This is a 
hard thing to cure. Cod-liver oil given daily and Pratts 
Food or Pratts Hog Cholera Cure as a tonic are about the 
best remedies we know of. 



TO PREVENT PIGS FROM EATING THEIR YOUNG. 
This is very frequent in some sows, and, if prevented, 
they will sometimes keep their milk up, so that the 
pigs die of starvation. When this is not due to a 
diseased uterus, a mixture of ten to twenty grains of 
spirits of camphor, with one to three of tincture of 
opium, poured into the ear, will cause the sow to lie 
down and remain quiet for several hours (the effect of 
the opium), after which she will be rid of her feelings 
toward the young. Very often by rubbing the pigs 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 169 

with brandy, it will prevent the sow from eating them ; 
and also put some brandy on the nose of the sow 
herself. The best thing, however, is to feed Pratts 
Food or Pratts Hog Cholera Cure prior to the birth of 
the pigs, which loosens the bowels and puts them in 
proper shape, preventing costiveness, reducing all fever, 
and acts as a mild tonic. 



LICE. 
The hog pen should be thoroughly cleaned and dis- 
infected with Pratts Liquid Lice Killer. This prepara- 
tion is for external use only. For direct application on 
the hoe use Pratts Powdered Lice Killer. Both of these 
articles are the strongest and most effective lice killers 
known, and will quickly do the work. After the pen 
is once infected with these lice, it takes prompt work 
to get rid of them. 



MANGE. 
This is caused by an insect, which must be killed in 
order to cure the disease — not only on the pigs, but in 
the pens and surroundings, or wherever the pig rubs 
against. Pratts Liquid or Powdered Lice Killer will 
quickly rid the hogs of these insects. Mange is shown 
by small red blotches or pimples. 



PREPARATION 

OP 

FOOD 



170 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

CHAPTER X. 

GENERAL REMARKS. 
Farmers have different opinions on the 
subject of cooked food as an advantage 
for fattening pigs. The best results, 
however, are on the side of the raw diet. A series of 
experiments was recently made by eminent authorities to 
determine the value of cooked foods as compared with 
a raw diet, and after exhaustive tests it was announced 
that a positive loss of flesh resulted where cooked 
foods had been used. Conveniences and extra labor are 
necessary to cook the food, and nothing is gained by it. 
If pigs thrive and fatten as well without it, it is not 
wise for the farmer to incur extra expense in adopting 
the cooked system. For little pigs and suckling sows, 
warm food in winter is a comfort ; but that is all, as it 
does not add to the nutritiousness of food. 



DISPOSITION 



The pig is not naturally stubborn and 
obstinate, as some think. It can be led 
by the right man with the right method. It is quick to 
appreciate kindness, and, when this is used, requires 
neither kicking or beating to make it docile and obedient. 
The man who applies harsh measures soon makes the 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 171 

whole herd stubborn. It is remarkable to see how, if 
well cared for and comfortable, pigs gain habits that are 
quiet and desirable. At their regular time of feeding, 
when allowed to run in the yard, they will separate and 
each go to its own pen just as the cow or horse will to 
their stalls. 



COLD 
WEATHER 



Pigs in covered pens will eat more and 
grow faster in winter than those kept in 
the unsheltered pens of the ordinary 
barnyard. Pigs born in winter, unless carefully pro- 
tected, often die from cold within the first twelve hours. 
The sow is a good mother, and the little pigs gain warmth 
from contact with her body ; but in severe weather this 
is not enough. The sow and her young should be covered 
with a horse blanket, and if she objects, rubbing the 
teats gently, and speaking to her kindly, will usually 
make the second attempt successful. When the mother 
does not give sufficient milk or dies when the pigs are 
first born, with a little patience and effort they can be 
taught to nurse from a bottle. Milk warm from the cow 
can be given in this way, until they are able to eat from 
a little trough. If a sow gives a scant supply of milk, 
it may be increased by giving quantities of weak oat- 
meal gruel, in which a few scraps of meat are boiled to 



172 PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 

make it slightly greasy. Regular rations of Pratts Food 
or Pratts Hog Cholera Cure will cause a large supply of 
rich milk, if fed both before and after the pigs are born. 



FEEDING "^ s £ row fester when given milk with 
I their food, although they must have fresh 
water every day as well. Feed regularly, both in time 
and quantity. It is not profitable to give double the 
amount of food that can be eaten at once, and when it 
is time for the next feeding, let it go by without any 
rations. Pigs will not thrive and fatten well, so treated, 
and the waste food will make the pork produced cost 
much more than when gained by systematic feeding. 
Beets make an excellent food for pigs, and more espe- 
cially sows when suckling in the early spring, before 
they can be put in pasture. Pigs will eat green or ripe 
peas greedily, and it pays to feed them whenever they can 
be procured as cheap as corn, because they make richer 
manure. Half peas and half corn are better foods than 
either article when used alone. Bran is not of any 
great value for fattening pigs, unless mixed with Pratts 
Food or Pratts Hog Cholera Cure in the usual amount ; 
but in this way is fed with excellent results along with 
other feed. Parsnips, potatoes and turnips can be profit- 
ably raised by the farmer for winter feeding. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS, SHEEP AND HOGS 173 



JEALOUSY 
IN THE HOd 



It is claimed that all animals are jealous, 
and certainly the pig is not an exception, 
as is proved by a curious method some 
times adopted. When a farmer desires to fatten a 
hog quickly to extreme size and weight, as a prize 
winner at an exhibition or county fair, he depends upon 
this trait to assist in accomplishing it. At each feeding, 
the hog is given all it will eat ; and when fully satisfied, 
more food is put in the trough, and a little, half-starved 
pig is let into the pen. The fat pig makes a glutton of 
itself, fearing that the poor squealing visitor will share 
the meal. If the little pig is to be considered, this is 
rather a cruel plan. 



PRATTS 
REMEDIES FOR 

HOGS 



We have endeavored to make plain the 
advantage of Pratts Food and Pratts 
Hog Cholera Cure to hogs. The ex- 
perience of feeding them for years by the most promi- 
nent pig-raisers in the United States and foreign coun- 
tries, fully justifies us in strongly urging a test of their 
qualities. If intelligently fed as instructed, the profit 
will be even greater than is claimed in this book. It is 
well to remember that they are not experimental articles, 
but have a long standing reputation of the highest 
possible merit. 



INDEX. 



PRATTS POINTERS ON COWS. 



Abortion in Cows 73 

Aphtha (sore lips and tongue) . 79 

Ayrshire Cow, illustration of . . 8 

" description of . . 9 

Belted or Blanketed Cow 10 

Bladder, Inflammation of 72 

Bowels, Inflammation of 68 

Breeds, choice of 27 

Breeds -of Cows 8 

Breeding and Feeding 27 

Breeding, general instructions. . 26 

Breeding Periods 28 

Brewers' Grains 14 

Bronchitis 64 

Bull, The 29 

Butter, packing and salting.... 46 
Butter, preparing it for market. 45 

Butter Test 15 

Butter Value of Cows 26 

Calf, raising the 31 

Calf, removing from the cow.. 30 
Cans and boxes for shipping milk 54 
Centrifugal Creamer, illustrated 

and described 35 

Choking 71 

Churning 43 

Churns 43 

Colds 65 

Colic 70 

Cooling Closet 43 

Cow Pox (Variola) 78 

Cow, self-sucking 58 

Cow Shed, open, illustrated and 

described 22 

Cows, vices of 57 

Creameries, private and stock. . 49 
Creamery, modern, illustrated. . 49 

Cream Gauges 14 

Cream, methods of separating. . 35 

Dairy, An Ideal 45 

Dairy Buildings 18 

Dairy Cow, Diseases of 61 

Dairy Cow, The 11 

Dairy Cows, The Best 51 

Dairy Duties 25 

Dairy Farming, General Re- 
marks 5 



Dairy Farm, Plan of 6 

Dairymen, What they must know 52 

Depraved Appetite 80 

Devon Cow 10 

Diarrhoea, scours 68 

Dysentery 69 

Family Cow 21 

Feeding the Cow 28 

Food for Cows 11 

Garget 76 

Grain Food 13 

Grass for Cows 12 

Herd, forming a 7 

Holstein Cow, Description of . . 9 
Holstein Cow, Illustration of, 
See front cover. 

Hornless Cows 11 

Ice 48 

Ice Houses 48 

Impure Air, Bad effects of 24 

Jersey Bull, Illustration of, See 

back cover. 

Jersey Cow, Description of. ... 9 

Kicking, How to prevent 57 

Kidneys, Inflammation of 71 

Lungs, Inflammation of 62 

Mad Staggers 67 

Milk and Cream Rules 33 

Milk, Bloody 76 

Milking Bucket 41 

Milk Cellar, illustrated and de- 
scribed 37 

Milk, Cooling 53 

Milking, Directions for 25 

Milk, Diseased 55 

Milk Fever 74 

Milk House 38 

Milk, How to ship 53 

Milk, Leaking of 77 

Milk Route 53 

Milk Sickness 56 

Milk, Straining the 33 

Milk Test 15 

Milk Test, Value of 34 

Milk, Watery 55 

Packing Bucket 47 

Pan, Dairy 41 



INDEX 



11 



Paunch, Overloaded 66 

Pen, Model Calf, illustrated and 

described 31 

Pleuro-Pneumonia 77 

Pleurisy 63 

Pratts Remedies, Composition of 59 
Pratts Remedies for Cows, 

Value of 12-28 

Pratts Remedies for curing dis- 
eases 58 

Pratts Remedies, How to Feed. 59 

Profitable Cows 25 

Profitable Crops 12 

Read Carefully 58 

Red Water 73 

Rotating Shelves 42 

Salt 16 

"Schwartz" Method 35 

Scours in Calves 70 

Short Horn Cows, description of 8 
Short Horn Cow, illustration of 7 



Stable Cleanliness 22 

Stable Flooring, illustrated and 

described 19 

Stable for Cows, Horses and 
Chickens, illustrated and de- 
scribed 21 

Stable, Pen and Yard, illus- 
trated and described 18 

Stalls, illustrated and described. 21 

Stocking the Farm 6 

Swiss Cow 10 

Teats, obstructed 80 

Test of Foods (digestibility) 14 

Utensils, Dairy 40 

Variety of Food 13 

Ventilation in the Stable 23 

Water Cistern, illustrated and 

described 17 

Water Supply 16 

Womb, Inflammation of the.... 75 
Worms 71 



PRATTS POINTERS ON SHEEP. 



Aphtha 108 

Bladder, Inflammation of 108 

Bowels, Inflammation of 106 

Breeds, American 91 

Breed, Improved Kentucky. . . 95 

Breeds, Mutton producing.... 97 

Breeds, Wool bearing 96 

Breeding, Care of sheep while 93 

Bronchitis 101 

Buildings, Description of 86 

Catarrh 103 

Cleanliness and Comfort 97 

Constipation 103 

Cotswold Breed 94 

Diarrhoea 105 

Dog Guards 84 

Ewe, Care of 95 

Ewes, Hurdle for 96 

Feed Racks, Portable 88 

Feeding, Regularity in 90 

Foot Rot 107 

Garget 104 

Grasses for sheep food 83 

Hurdle, Portable 88 

Hurdle, Stationary 87 

Lamb, Creep 99 

Lambs' Diseases in 



Lambs, How to Feed 98 

Lice, Sheep no 

Lungs, Inflammation of 102 

Merinos, American 92 

Merino Ram, See back cover. 

Mutton Sheep 92 

Netting, for Sheep 87 

Pining 107 

Pleurisy 101 

Poison Laurel no 

Pratts Food for Sheep Diseases 58 

Ram, How to Choose 95 

Rheumatism 105 

Roots, Selection for Feeding. . . 90 

Scab Mite 109 

Shed for Sheep 84 

Sheds for a Few Sheep 89 

Sheep, Care of 84 

Sheep, Cross Bred 91 

Sheep Diseases, Pratts Food for 58 

Sheep Farm, Choosing 82 

Sheep Raising, Origin of 81 

Sick Sheep, Pratts Food for... 85 

Southdown Breeds 93 

Tick, Sheep 109 

Tuberculosis 1 04 

Water Supply 83 



Ill 



INDEX 



Weaning Lambs 99 

Winter Foods 89 



Worms in 



PRATTS POINTERS ON HOGS. 



Apoplexy 167 

Berkshire Breeds 119 

Blind Staggers 165 

Boar, Care of 124 

Bowels, Inflammation of 155 

Bowels, Protrusion of 166 

Breeding and Rearing 130 

Breeds, American 119 

Breeds, Definition of 116 

Breeds, Degeneration of 122 

Breeding Time 14 2 

Catarrh 161 

Cheshire Breed 127 

Chester County Whites 127 

Cold Weather, Pigs in 171 

Constipation 160 

Cough 1 62 

Diphtheria 158 

Diseases, Prevention of 149 

Early Maturity 116 

gating Their Young, How to 

Prevent Pigs from 168 

Essex, Improved 121 

Farm, Value of Pigs on 136 

Fattening Pigs 139 

Feeding 172 

Food, Preparing the 170 

Food Supply, How to Keep it.. 147 

Garbage Tub 147 

Grain Farm, Value of Pigs on 137 

Hog Cholera 149 

Hog Cholera, Putrid Sore 

Throat Form 154 

Hog Cholera, Pratts Food for.. 151 

Hog Cholera, Typhus Form.... 152 

Hind Quarters, Paralysis of . . . 164 

Improving the Stock 136 

Jealousy in Hogs 173 

Lice 169 

Little Pigs, Care of 132 

Lungs, Inflammation of 162 

Magie Pigs 128 

Mange 169 

Model Pig, Description of 118 

Model Pig Pen 140 

Mothers, The Best 130 



Odors from Pig Pen 141 

Peas for Pigs 137 

Pedigree 130 

Pen, Flooring for 141 

Pigs, Average Weight of 134 

Pigs, Disposition of 170 

Pigs, Food for 172 

Piggery, Up-to-Date 143 

Pigs, Management of 135 

Pig Manure, Value of 138 

Pigs, Natural Instincts of 114 

Pigs, Old English 117 

Pigs, Proper Care of 114 

Pig Raising near the City.... 137 

Pig Raising, Profitable 113 

Piles 166 

Poland China 129 

Pratts Remedies Best for Pigs 173 
Pratts Remedies Excellent for Sow 131 
Pratts Remedies for Hog Dis- 
eases 58 

Pratts Remedies for Pig 

Growth 137 

Quinsy 156 

Rapid Growth 115 

Rheumatism 167 

Scours in Pigs 160 

Scrofula 1 68 

Sow.Care of AfterBirth of Pigs . . 135 

Sow, General Care of 130 

Sow, Thoroughbred 125 

Suffolk Breeds 120 

Thoroughbreds, Genuine 123 

Thoroughbreds, Profit in 126 

Troughs, Equal Sharing 146 

Troughs, Feed 145 

Trough, Separating 146 

Trough, Swinging Door 145 

Water Supply 142 

Weaning Pigs 132 

Weight of Different Parts 134 

Worms, Intestinal 163 

Worms, Kidney 164 

Yorkshire, Large 1 _» 1 

Yorkshire, Small 121 

Yorkshire Sow, See front cover. 



LE D '09 



Price 50 Cents 




HOLSTEIN 



■■■ 



ATTS POINTERS 

COWSHOCS&SHEEP 




YORKSHIRE, 




"PRATTS 
POINTERS" 




LJ AS been written in a brief, concise, thorough, and 
* * up-to-date manner, as well as in an interesting, 
readable form. 




To Dairymen, Hog, Calf, Cattle 
and Sheep Raisers it is invaluable. 



It tells explicitly and intelli- 
gently how to raise, feed, care tor and 
house the above animals. 



It is the most complete book of its kind, and is 
published with the view of helping our patrons to the 
best information possible pertaining to their stock. 



PRATT FOOD CO. 



P.£ 




lat Pratts Food will do for Cows, Sheep and Hogs 



IN USE OVER 30 YEARS. 



J&The Original Stock and Poultry Food of America. "^8 
tts Food for Cows Pratts Food for Hog Cholera 



regulates the bowels, blood, liver 
digestive organs, consequently it 
is up a run down cow and puts it 
»bust health. It increases the flow 
lilk, makes it richer and produces 
2 butter. It restores lost appetite, 
ents and cures the slinking of 
*s, pneumonia, milk fever, scours, 
mess of the kidneys, inflammation 
e lunges and bladder, bloody urine, 
mmation of the bowels bloody 
., indigestion, etc., etc. 

tts Food for Calyes 

r feeding the cow Pratts Food be- 
calving, and continuing its use 
the calf is born, the calf receives 
benefit of the food fed its mother. 
; sturdy and grows strong and 
thv. It adds greatly to the profit 
ilf raising when fed to calves reg- 

y. 

tts Food for Bulls 

ills should not be without Pratts 
d. A test will demonstrate this, 
i in the general health of the bull 
the calves. Their service also 
be sure. 

tts Food for Steers 

eers will increase greatly in weight, 
cows, bulls, calves or steers for 
ng will fatten quickly and their 
t be far more tender by feeding 
ts Food. 

.tts Food for Sheep 



heep and lambs will be free from 
ase and grow quickly and sturdy, 
their meat and wool be greatly 
roved by feeding Pratts Food. 

Pratts Food is unequalled as a regulator for horses. 

ed egg producer, cholera cure, regulator and fattener. 

set, and Pratts Poultry Pointers* Two valuable books on horses and poultry* full 

ractical information. 



Hog Cholera is positively unknown 
where Pratts Food is fed. Pratts Food 
positively prevents and cures Hog 
Cholera in its early stages. We have 
cured many cases of Hog Cholera, 
when the animal has been too weak to 
stand, and given up to die. It is to be 
remembered that Pratts Food is to 
be fed to prevent cholera, as well as 
cure it. 

Pratts Food for Hog Diseases 

Pratts Food also prevents and cures 
diarrhoea, coughs, colds, inflammation 
and ulcers of the lungs, ulcers of, the 
liver, measles, worms, swelled neck. 
It regulates the appetite, and prevents 
and cures the unnatural habit of eating 
filth. It assists the local applications 
that are used to cure skin diseases, 
such as mange, itch, etc., by purifying 
the blood, keeping the bowels regular, 
etc. Petroleum is a splendid local 
application to use for mange, itch, etc. 

Pratts Food for Boars, 

Sows and Pigs 

Boars are greatly benefited- by feed- 
ing them Pratts Food. It makes them 
strong and robust, and their offspring 
are healthy. Especially during preg- 
nancy Sows should have Pratts Food. 
They will have a full flow of rich milk* 
their digestion and general health will 
be good, and their young pigs grow 
large, quickly and free from disease, 
by the benefit received through the 
sow's general good health. Young 
Pig* grow strong, rapid and healthy; 
their meat is juicy and tender, and the 
flavor much more delicate by being fed 
Pratts Food. Also by feeding it con- 
stantly the fine healthy condition of 
the hogs will cause them to grow larger 
and pay a handsome profit. 

Pratts Poultry Food is a guar- 
Read Pratts Pointers on 




JERSEY. 



PRATTS POINTERS 

ON COWS HOGS &SHEEF 




MERINO. 



